More than just double discrimination: a scoping review of the experiences and impact of ableism and racism in employment

Abstract

Purpose

Research has shed light on the employment barriers faced by individuals with disabilities, and by racialized people. The challenges faced by people belonging to both marginalized groups are less well-understood. The purpose of this scoping review was to examine existing research on labour market and workplace experiences of racialized people with disabilities, and to identify how ableism and racism intersect to shape employment experiences and outcomes.

Methods

Seven international databases were searched, covering the period from 2000 to April 2022. Four reviewers independently conducted the screening, and data extraction and analysis were performed on 44 articles that met our inclusion criteria.

Results

The findings highlighted rates of workplace ableism and racism (including discrimination allegations and perceived discrimination); types and forms of experiences arising from the intersection of ableism and racism (including unique individual stereotyping and systemic and institutional discrimination); and the role of other demographic variables. The intersection of ableism and racism impacted labour market outcomes, well-being in the workplace, and career/professional advancement.

Conclusions

Our review highlights the need for greater in-depth research focusing explicitly on the intersection of ableism and racism (and of other forms of discrimination), to better understand and address the barriers that racialized people with disabilities face in employment.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• The experiences of racialized people with disabilities have been under explored, and clinicians and rehabilitation specialists should consider incorporating intersectionality into their practices to better understand and serve these populations.

• Ableism and racism do not operate in isolation, and clinicians and other professionals need to be aware that racialized people with disabilities may face unique challenges and barriers as a result.

• Service providers should aim to address gaps and inequities in services faced by racialized people with disabilities which may prevent them from finding and/or maintaining meaningful employment.

Keywords:

• Ableism
• discrimination
• employment
• intersectionality
• racism

Acknowledgements

We wish to acknowledge this land on which the University of Toronto operates. For thousands of years, it has been the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and the Mississaugas of the Credit. Today, this place is still the home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work on this land.

Ethics approval

No animal or human studies were carried out by the authors for this article.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported, in part, by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (Race, Gender and Diversity Initiative) and the Kimel Family Opportunities Fund through the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.