Exploring the Landscape of Hate: An Intersectional Analysis of Experiences in Ontario


Bidushy Sadika, Western University

Hate-motivated crimes targeting individuals based on attributes such as religion, sexual orientation, race, or ethnicity have witnessed a notable increase, as highlighted by recent observations in Ontario (Province of Ontario, 2022). The Mosaic Institute—a non-profit organization advocating for those facing prejudice—partnered with the Network for Economic and Social Trends (NEST) at Western University to conduct a comprehensive study of hate, supported by funding from the Province of Ontario. The primary aim of the study was to gain an in-depth understanding of hate experiences in Ontario, with a specific focus on intersectional identities. Between April and May 2023, an online survey was administered to 3,035 adults who lived in Ontario for the past 3 years. The survey was available in English and French and facilitated the collection and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data. Participants were recruited through the Leger Opinion Panel, and census data was used to ensure that the sample was broadly representative of the Ontario population in terms of age and gender. Respondents commonly defined hate as negative attitudes or behaviors, bias, prejudice, discrimination, intolerance, harm, rejection of equality, and a complex phenomenon. Origins and influences of hate included factors like a lack of empathy, fear, greed, patriarchy, envy, social hierarchies, and economic stress. The majority of participants agreed with the Ontario Human Rights Codes definition of hate crime but suggested expanding it to non-criminal acts and including additional target groups. Findings indicated that 65% of Ontarians experienced hate in the past 3 years, with mocking/belittlement and verbal threat/abuse being prevalent. Impact-wise, respondents reported feeling angry, alienated, anxious, targeted, and experiencing low self-esteem from the hate they experienced. Respondents reported that they had been targeted due to their race, ethnicity, age, physical appearance, gender, religion, and beliefs about social/political issues. Many participants clarified that their experiences of hatred did not involve any legal violations. Hate incidents were typically instigated by an individual, often a stranger, but often it was by someone known as an acquaintance or colleague. Additionally, it was noted that these instances of hate were not observed by any bystanders. Coping strategies included self-care, focusing on strengths, avoiding triggering situations, suppressing emotions, and withdrawing from familiar places. Subsequent analyses were conducted to explore the variations in respondents’ experiences of hate across different demographic categories, such as age, gender, sexual orientation, race, and religion. Recommendations were provided on how researchers and stakeholders can use the results of this study—including the disaggregated, publicly accessible dataset—to address and dismantle hate in Ontario. This study aligns with the conference theme, "Challenging Hate: Sustaining Shared Futures," as it adopts an intersectionality perspective to investigate how individuals encountered hate in diverse settings, stemming from various causes and manifesting in different forms. The insights from the study findings offer valuable knowledge, enabling the formulation of recommendations for multiple sectors. These recommendations aim to nurture shared futures for individuals across diverse groups. In particular, this research aligns with the session, "Violence and Society" by highlighting how Ontarians from diverse groups experience victimization through various types of hate incidents and hate crimes. It also identifies the perpetrators of hate and examines the support mechanisms for Ontarians in place. The study sheds light on the occurrence of such incidents in diverse social contexts and explores how individuals cope with and build resilience against such experiences.

Non-presenting authors: Rachel Mansell, Mosaic Institute; Cornel Grey, Western University; Kaitlynn Mendes, Western University; Mohammad Jawad Zawulistani, Western University; Caden Reyes, Western University; Heather Martin, Huron University College

This paper will be presented at the following session: