Perceived discrimination & sense of community belonging among Canadian young adults

In 2023, Canada was home to over 4.8 million individuals aged 15 to 24, representing more than 12% of the national population¹. Despite their growing demographic presence, a troubling trend has emerged: many young adults report feeling disconnected from their communities. National data shows that individuals in this age group report significantly lower levels of community belonging, approximately 10 to 13 percent lower than Canadians aged 35 and above. This matters, as a strong sense of belonging is closely tied to improved mental health, identity formation, and social cohesion. 

At the February 2025 K-Hub Lunch & Learn session, Quan Huu Nguyen, MSW, an international student and PhD Candidate at the University of Calgary, shared findings from a study conducted in partnership with his academic supervisor, Dr. Hieu Van Ngo. The research investigated the relationship between perceived discrimination and the sense of community belonging among young Canadian adults, using data from Statistics Canada’s 2020 General Social Survey. 

Exploring Discrimination and Belonging Through National Survey Data 

Nguyen and Dr. Ngo analyzed survey responses from 6,326 individuals between the ages of 15 and 34. The 2020 General Social Survey, conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, focused on experiences of discrimination among racialized groups. The study investigated which groups reported lower levels of social connections, civic engagement and a sense of community, while also aiming to understand how experiences of discrimination shaped these perceptions. They sought to answer: Who feels excluded and why? 

Key findings revealed that youth aged 15 to 24 reported both higher levels of perceived discrimination and a stronger sense of community belonging compared to their slightly older peers aged 25 to 34. That is a complex picture. It seems younger individuals might be more aware of unfair treatment while also feeling more connected to their communities in certain ways. This interplay suggests that experiences of discrimination do not always diminish community engagement, and that young people can simultaneously navigate exclusion and inclusion. 

The ethnic groups most often reporting discrimination were Black, Filipino, and Chinese Canadians. Meanwhile, Filipino, Arab, and South Asian communities expressed the highest sense of belonging. 

Other interesting patterns included: 

• Women reported a stronger sense of belonging than men. 

• First-generation immigrants felt more connected to their communities than second- or third-generation Canadians. 

• People with disabilities and those identifying with a religion were more likely to report discrimination, and less likely to report community belonging. 

Discrimination Weakens Belonging—But Not for Everyone 

As hypothesized, perceived discrimination was associated with reduced community belonging. Even after controlling for demographic variables such as age, gender, education, and income, the relationship remained statistically significant. 

However, the findings also revealed group-specific resilience. For example, Arab and West Asian Canadians, women, married individuals, and those with religious identities reported a stronger sense of belonging despite encountering discrimination. These findings suggest that social and cultural networks may play a buffering role in mitigating the effects of exclusion and prejudice. 

Another noteworthy insight was that second- and third-generation Canadians did not necessarily feel a stronger sense of belonging, despite longer-term integration. In some cases, assimilation appeared to increase identity struggles that push people back toward their ethnic communities rather than deeper integration into dominant societal norms. 

Implications and Recommendations for Community and Policy Action  

The study highlights that experiences of belonging are not uniform, even among racialized or immigrant groups. The researchers advocate for a more tailored approach in designing community programs and policies, particularly those aimed at newcomer populations and youth navigating discrimination.  

To build stronger, more inclusive communities, the study recommends: 

• Mentorship programs to connect newcomers with established community members. 

• Leadership development programs for racialized youth to foster agency and civic participation.  

• Culturally responsive programming that reflects the distinct realities of diverse communities. 

The Lunch & Learn series is a monthly virtual gathering hosted by the Newcomer Knowledge Hub. We provide informative presentations delivered by experts in the settlement sector. Whether you are a service provider, policymaker, student, or simply curious about the world of settlement, we invite you to join us at our next session by registering here. If you missed this session, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay connected! 

¹Statistics Canada (2024, September 25). Population estimates on July 1, by age and gender. Population estimates on July 1, by age and gender