![[ Visit Client Website ]](images/banner.gif)
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a marked increase in anti-Asian hate discrimination. Within the Asian American (AA) population, rates of violent racial discrimination were higher among women compared to men. This study explores the experiences of young AA women concerning racial discrimination, and any associated changes in emotional and behavioral responses, as well as perceived well-being, during the COVID-19 lockdown period.
Methods
This open-ended survey data were collected from women who identified themselves as AA (27.4 years old) during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown period (between April 24th and May 15th in 2020) as a part of the Epigenetic of Asian Women's Action for Resilience and Empowerment (EPI-AWARE) study. Forty participants completed an open-ended qualitative survey with five descriptive and exploratory questionnaires: 1) “Have you experienced racial microaggression, physical assault, or discrimination related to COVID-19?” 2) “Have someone you are close to experienced racial microaggression or discrimination related to COVID-19?” 3) “How did COVID-19 experience affect the way you perceive your own racial identity as Asian?” 4) “Overall, how have these experiences changed your feelings, behaviors, and general well-being before and after COVID-19?”, 5) “In your opinion, what are the necessary steps or methods to mitigate the growing racism against Asian due to COVID-19?” Qualitative thematic analysis was used to identify the types of racial discrimination they reported and how racial discrimination impacted their emotion, behavior, and well-being.
Findings
In total, 65% of AA women reported that either they or someone close to them had experienced racial discrimination since the COVID-19 outbreak. Five themes emerged regarding perceived discrimination that AA women experienced: verbal attacks, distancing and avoiding, staring, being followed, and online comments. Especially related to COVID-19, the respondents were called “coronavirus” and “dirty Asians” (n=8). Six respondents experienced distancing and staring in grocery stores. Four themes emerged regarding changes in emotional and behavioral responses, as well as perceived well-being due to COVID-19 racial discrimination: negative feelings, social anxiety, and limited social engagement, sympathy for other AAs, and the quest for solidarity. More than half of respondents (n=22) reported that they had negative feelings, including hopelessness, sadness, and anger. Some (n=11) reported that they are having the symptoms of social anxiety disorder such as feeling anxious and being scared to leave their place because of potential racial discrimination. Some limited their social interactions and stopped going to grocery shopping other than Asian-owned businesses where they can avoid unwanted interactions.
Conclusion
Our findings illustrate that AA women experienced unprecedented types of racial discrimination during the COVID-19 lockdown and it negatively affected AA women’s emotion and social engagement. It is necessary to provide support and resources for AA women who have experienced racial discrimination and for AA communities with potential threats of racially oriented violence. Advocacy for AA communities can help promote a sense of safety, well-being, and social inclusion. Social work intervention and scholarship can play an essential role in addressing this issue by advocating for policies and programs that promote awareness of the impact of discrimination and prevent discrimination.