In recent years, discussions about racism and discrimination have taken center stage in the United States. The killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, along with the stark racial disparities highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, have intensified calls to address structural racism. A new survey conducted by KFF sheds light on Americans’ perspectives on racism across major societal institutions, including politics, the criminal justice system, policing, education, housing, employment, and health care. The survey also explores levels of trust in health care providers, law enforcement, and the judicial system, revealing deep divides across racial and ethnic lines.
According to the survey, a majority of U.S. adults believe racism is at least a minor issue in key areas of society. However, perceptions vary significantly by race. Black adults are far more likely to view racism as a major problem across all surveyed institutions. For example, 56% of respondents see racism as a major issue in politics; 54% in the criminal justice system; and 51% in policing. In contrast, only 32% of respondents believe racism is a major problem in health care.
Among racial groups, Black adults are at least 20 percentage points more likely than White adults to perceive racism as a significant problem in these areas. Large shares of Hispanic, Asian, and American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) adults also recognize racism as a major concern, though White adults are generally less likely to do so. “The disparities in perceptions are striking,” said Dr. Lisa Martinez, a sociologist specializing in race and policy. “They reflect the lived experiences of marginalized communities and the historical context of discrimination in these institutions.”
Political affiliation strongly influences views on racism. The survey found that Democrats, regardless of race, are more likely to see racism as a major problem compared to Republicans. Among Republicans, racial and ethnic differences persist: Black, Hispanic, and Asian Republicans are more likely than their White counterparts to acknowledge racism as a problem in politics, policing, and the justice system.
Beyond partisanship, other demographic factors play a role. Women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with higher education levels are more inclined to see racism as a major issue.
“Our data shows that personal identity and experiences shape how people perceive racism,” said survey analyst Marcus Allen. “Women and LGBTQ+ individuals, who often face multiple forms of discrimination, tend to be more attuned to structural inequities.”
Personal encounters with discrimination significantly shape attitudes toward racism. The survey found that adults who have faced unfair treatment in health care, employment, or policing are more likely to believe racism is a serious problem in those sectors. For instance, individuals who reported experiencing disrespect or bias from a health care provider in the past three years were more likely to see racism as a major issue in medical settings.
Despite concerns about discrimination, trust in health care providers remains relatively high. At least two-thirds of respondents across racial and ethnic groups trust doctors and medical professionals to act in their best interests most of the time. “It’s encouraging that trust in health care remains strong, but disparities persist,” said Dr. Anika Patel, a public health expert. “Black adults and those with darker skin tones tend to report lower trust, often due to historical injustices and personal experiences with bias.”
Trust in law enforcement and the courts, however, is markedly lower. While two-thirds of adults trust the police to act fairly most of the time, only about half express the same level of trust in the judicial system. For Black adults, these numbers drop to 45% for police and 37% for the courts. “When you’ve been mistreated by police or witnessed systemic injustices, it’s hard to place full trust in these institutions,” said community activist James Rowe. “The numbers tell a story of broken trust that needs to be repaired.”
The survey results underscore the importance of efforts to combat structural racism in all facets of society. While trust in health care providers is relatively high, there are clear opportunities for improvement. The data suggests that increasing racial and linguistic diversity among health care providers can strengthen trust. Black and Asian patients who frequently see providers of their own racial background, as well as Spanish-speaking Hispanic adults who visit Spanish-speaking doctors, report higher levels of trust in medical professionals.
In contrast, addressing distrust in law enforcement and the courts requires systemic changes. “Community engagement, police reform, and equitable legal policies are crucial,” said civil rights lawyer Tanya Green. “Trust is built through accountability and genuine efforts to address racial disparities.”
The KFF survey highlights the persistent impact of racism in U.S. institutions and the complex relationship between discrimination, trust, and political identity. While awareness of racism remains high, addressing it requires sustained efforts at policy and institutional levels. “The findings are clear: racism continues to shape Americans’ experiences and perceptions,” Dr. Martinez concluded. “The question now is, how do we move forward?”
