Skin Shade and Relationships: How Colourism Affects Black and Mixed Black-White Women
Author Information
Author(s): Phoenix Aisha, Craddock Nadia
Primary Institution: Centre for Public Policy Research, King's College London
Hypothesis
How does colourism position Black and mixed Black-White women in beauty and desirability hierarchies based on their skin shade?
Conclusion
The study reveals that colourism significantly impacts the desirability of Black women with dark skin in the heterosexual relationship market, while mixed Black-White women are often preferred.
Supporting Evidence
- Colourism leads to negative self-perceptions among women with dark skin.
- Black men often prefer women with lighter skin in the dating market.
- Competition exists between Black women with dark skin and those with lighter skin.
- Media representations reinforce colourist beauty standards.
Takeaway
This study shows that people with darker skin often face unfair treatment in dating, while those with lighter skin are seen as more attractive.
Methodology
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 Black or mixed Black-White adults living in Britain, and data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Potential Biases
The study may have attracted participants particularly sensitive to skin shade issues, leading to selection bias.
Limitations
The sample included more women with light skin than those with dark skin, which may have skewed perceptions of relationships affected by colourism.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 18 women and 9 men, with a mean age of 35.8 years, and were predominantly Black or mixed Black-White.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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