Racial and Gender Discrimination in the Housing Market: A Review

Abstract

This article reviews 30 studies on housing discrimination between 2006 and 2022, predominantly from the EU. The research identifies three types of racial discrimination: those rooted in colonial legacies, against immigrants, and tied to events like 9/11. Ethnic minorities, especially Black and Arabic/Muslim renters, receive 36% fewer rental responses than majority groups. Male renters in areas with colonial histories face heightened discrimination. However, regions with greater ethnic diversity show reduced racial discrimination. Notably, countries with strong colonial pasts, like the UK and France, exhibit more pronounced housing discrimination, emphasizing colonialism's enduring impact.

Keywords: Implicit bias, prejudice, equality, diversity, inclusion, colonialism, racial, gender, discrimination, rental housing

JEL Classification: J15, J16, R23