The curious case of lower reported racial discrimination in healthcare
Author(s): Didier Ruedin, Denise Efionayi-Mäder, Irina Radu, Alessandra Polidori, Lisa Stalder
Source: https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.02.27.26347279
Abstract
Objective Explore self-reported racial discrimination in healthcare.
Methods Representative population sample, Switzerland, repeated cross-sectional data 2016 to 2024 (N=15,525).
Results Contrary to expectation, respondents from the migration-related population (foreign citizens, foreign born, migration background, first/second generation) report less racial discrimination than members of the majority population. Over time, we see an increase in the non migration-related population reporting (racial) discrimination in healthcare, while the share for the migration-related population is constant. The validity of the instrument is demonstrated with reported discrimination at work and in housing and the results are reliable across specifications and statistical controls.
Conclusion We speculate that in some cases, reported racial discrimination may express unmet expectations in healthcare more generally.