Casting a long shadow: Examining the relationships between vicarious and direct racism and generalized trust among Asian communities in New Zealand during COVID-19

Abstract

Utilizing a social learning perspective, this study investigated the associations between vicarious and direct racism and generalized trust among Asian communities in New Zealand during COVID-19, highlighting the comparability of their effects. Data from a cross-sectional online survey conducted in 2021 (N = 1377), were utilized to estimate the prevalence of vicarious and direct racism experiences and the distribution of since-COVID generalized trust. Linear regression was used to assess the association between experiences of racism and shifts in generalized trust. Findings indicate that almost 40 % of participants experienced racism, with vicarious experiences of physical violence and unfair treatment being more prevalent, while direct experiences of microaggressions and verbal/written abuse were more common. Female, younger, Chinese, and South East Asian participants, those for whom English is a first language, and students reported disproportionate reductions in generalized trust. Negative associations were identified between vicarious and direct racism experiences and changes in generalized trust. Crucially, our analysis reveals that vicarious microaggression experiences have a greater negative association with generalized trust than direct experiences, challenging prevailing perceptions of their significance. Emphasizing a comprehensive approach to eliminating all forms of racism, the findings support the need for critical scrutiny of media reporting of racism and its influence on trust.