Unveiling Inequity: Experiences of peer discrimination from perspective of young people in residential care

Young people living in residential care are often exposed to an increased risk of social stigmatization and discrimination in various social environments. Given the important role of peer relationships for the positive development of young people, it is crucial to gain a deeper insight into the specific dynamics of discrimination within peer interactions. The aim of this study was to explore how young people living in residential care perceive and experience discrimination from their peers. A qualitative approach was used, and data was collected in four focus groups and two dyadic interviews. A total of 30 young people (16 boys) aged 14–20 from different types of residential care institutions in Croatia participated in the study. The data was analyzed using a reflexive thematic analysis. The young people experience various forms of discrimination, from social isolation and exclusion, labeling, mocking to physical violence. Regarding the experience of peer discrimination, young people emphasize change in that experience over time and the internalization of discrimination. Furthermore, school emerged as the primary setting where peer discrimination is most frequently experienced, and there is often a lack of effective action by adults to prevent or address discrimination. Coping with discrimination is mostly described through physical aggression and social distancing. The findings emphasize the need for the development of comprehensive, multi-level support aimed at raising public awareness and challenging negative stereotypes associated with young people in residential care, particularly within peer groups. Schools, local communities and residential care settings are recognized as key social environments where more systematic and effective protective measures and interventions should be implemented to reduce peer discrimination.