White “other”: the rise of cultural racism following the EU expansion and its impact on health
by Diana Divajeva
I’ve lived in the UK since 2006 but it’s only recently I feel brave and confident enough to say my name the way it’s supposed to be pronounced and say which country I am from without shame or embarrassment. In fact, there were times when I avoided speaking in public altogether to avoid the risk of being confronted or a microaggression.
Undoubtedly, these factors shaped my social life, my opportunities and my interactions with people, organisations and public services. It negatively affected my integration into British society, the sense of belonging – the trust that I will be treated fairly and with respect.
My experience is not new or unique – it is painfully familiar to many people from a global majority background. What is different, however, is that I am a White woman. I was born and raised in Lithuania and, following its accession to the European Union (EU), I used my right to the freedom of movement to come to the UK to work and study. The hostility I and many other post-2004 EU migrants experienced caught me unawares. While most of us endured verbal abuse at worst, not everyone was so “lucky.”
This hostility stems from what some refer to as the “racialisation” of certain White European migrants, particularly those from Eastern and Central Europe. As with earlier waves of racism, hierarchies have been created to classify people as more or less desirable, capable, intelligent, or threatening – based solely on their country of origin. In the run-up to Brexit, pro-Leave media fuelled these perceptions with emotive language and distorted facts, casting ‘The Vile Eastern European’ as a threat to social security, a morally corrupt criminal, and a burden on public services.
These prejudices have persisted post-Brexit. One narrative that continues to be exploited and weaponised is the supposed negative impact of migration on the NHS. This claim disregards the complexities of healthcare economics and the actual evidence about migrants’ use of NHS services. Yet, it has succeeded in shifting public perception. Despite strong evidence to the contrary, 7 in 10 Britons believe that immigrants put additional pressure on the NHS, and about a third think that migrants use NHS services more than those born in the UK.
These public attitudes can heighten the sense of hostility that many migrants already feel, leading to confusion about their rights to healthcare, making it harder for them to navigate the system, and sometimes causing them to disengage from using healthcare services altogether. This can increase their vulnerability to disinformation, reduce the likelihood of taking up preventative measures like screening and vaccinations, and following health advice in general. These challenges are even greater when multiple disadvantages intersect,
such as being in a lower-paid, insecure job, living in poor, unstable housing, or having limited English skills, further isolating migrants and complicating their access to proper care. It can also drive them to seek care back in their countries of birth – a well-documented phenomenon common among many migrant groups.
While this phenomenon serves to dispel the myth of “health tourism,” it also signals that the NHS may not be meeting the needs of a significant proportion of the UK population. This results in inequitable access to care and, ultimately, in avoidable health inequalities. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to quantify the extent of this inequality or understand how the health outcomes of Eastern and Central European migrants compare to other populations. This is largely because they tend to be categorised under the umbrella term “White Other” – a catch-all label that obscures a diverse and heterogeneous population. Without clear data, needs remain hidden and gaps in care go unaddressed.
To address the challenges faced by many migrant communities, the healthcare system and other public services can take several important steps. Diversifying the workforce, especially at senior levels, will help ensure that these communities feel and are represented. Improving data collection and research is also essential, as it will provide a clearer understanding of the diverse experiences of migrants, allowing us to create services and policies that benefit everyone. Building trust through respectful engagement with communities and collaborating with them to develop tailored solutions is crucial. Additionally, reviewing broader social and economic policies to address structural barriers like housing and employment is vital for improving health outcomes for all people and communities. By committing to these actions, we can tackle the inequalities and work towards equitable access to healthcare for all regardless of their background.
The harmful effects of “othering” are well-documented, manifesting in everything from subtle forms of discrimination to overt acts of violence – ranging from casual racism and social exclusion to vandalism, arson, and even murder. These painful experiences are not unique to any single group but are shared by many ethnic and migrant communities trying to build a life in the UK. However, attitudes can shift when people engage positively and interact with openness and empathy. Every interaction, no matter how small, has the potential to make a difference. Let yours foster inclusion, understanding, and a commitment to anti-racism.