The state and effects of discrimination in the European Union
Despite European Union efforts to fight discrimination as part of its Union of Equality
strategies, it is difficult to analyse discrimination in EU Member States given the
scarcity of official data sources. This paper uses new survey data to examine discrimination
against people from racialised communities, LGBTIQ+ people, persons with disability
and religious minorities. It explores the role discrimination plays in driving well-being
gaps between at-risk groups and the majority of the population. Discrimination, particularly
when it occurs frequently, is associated with severe effects across many aspects of
people’s lives – constraining income-earning opportunities, exacerbating housing and
financial stress, subjecting people to violence, fear and low self-esteem, and contributing
to mental ill health. These consequences come at a huge personal cost to the individuals
directly affected and to society as a whole.
Available from June 12, 2024
In series:OECD Papers on Well-being and Inequalitiesview more titles