Causes and consequences of perceptions of discrimination among Russian-speakers of Estonia

Abstract

Perceived discrimination as a social and political phenomenon has received considerably less academic attention in post-Soviet countries than, for example, in the United States or Western Europe. The following study aims to test whether Russian-speakers in Estonia have higher level of perceived discrimination than Estonian-speakers. Then, the author defines factors that determine perceived discrimination using binary logistic regression. Finally, it is tested whether perceived discrimination determines higher or lower levels of institutional trust. It is, consequently, concluded that Russian-speakers are generally more likely to feel discriminated against. Also, a set of factors that determine levels of perceived discrimination among Russian-speakers is defined, among which the strongest ones are presence/ absence of citizenship and employment status. Finally, the author found a causal link between perceived discrimination and institutional trust, whereas those Russian-speakers who feel discriminated aginst have lower levels of institutional trust.