A comparison of skin tone discrimination among African American men: 1995 and 2003.

Abstract

This study investigated perceptions of skin tone discrimination among adult African American men. Research suggests that through negative African American stereotypes, out-group members (Whites) perceive light-skinned African Americans favorably and dark-skinned African Americans unfavorably. However, it is unclear how treatment by in-group members (other African Americans) uniquely affects men. Using data from the 1995 Detroit Area Study and the 2003 National Survey of American Life, we investigated these relationships among African American men representing a wide range of socioeconomic groups. We found that African American men’s perceptions of out-group and in-group treatment, respectively, were similar across time. Light-skinned men perceived the least out-group discrimination while dark-skinned men perceived the most out-group discrimination. In appraisals of skin tone discrimination from in-group members, medium-skinned men perceived the least discrimination while both light- and dark-skinned men perceived more in-group discrimination. Additionally, men of lower social economic groups were more affected by skin tone bias than others. Future research should explore the influence of these out- and in-group experiences of skin tone discrimination on social and psychological functioning of African American men.

Perceived Skin Tone Discrimination Across Contexts: African American Women’s Reports

“…A clarification about terminology-this paper will use the terms ''African Americans'' and ''Blacks'' interchangeably because literature summarized henceforth will be restricted to black Americans. Some studies from the target perspective have found that darker African Americans self-reported more discrimination (Klonoff and Landrine 2000;Uzogara et al 2014), while others have found no relationship (Keith et al 2010;Krieger et al 1998;Landor et al 2013). Importantly, studies that found significant relationships did not fully isolate or closely examine women's appraisals of colorism, which left a gap in the literature.…”

“…Succinctly, studies that did not find any significant relationship between skin tone and discrimination (e.g., Keith et al 2010;Landor et al 2013) mostly measured racism. To capture and differentiate perceptions of colorism from racism, skin tone may need to be made more salient in the phrasing of measures (e.g., Uzogara et al 2014).…”

“…Since interviewers were mainly drawn from the same local communities as respondents, their assessments are assumed to reflect community judgments of skin tones. Observer-rated skin tone was used in previous skin tone studies of African Americans (Hunter 2002;Thompson and Keith 2001;Uzogara et al 2014).…”

Skin tone bias among African Americans: Antecedents and consequences across the life span

“…Using data from the Detroit Area Survey and the National Survey of American Life, Uzogara et al explored African American men's perceptions of out-group and in-group (i.e., from other African Americans) discrimination on the basis of skin tone (Uzogara, Lee, Abdou, & Jackson, 2014). Light-skinned men perceived the least out-group discrimination, and dark-skinned men experienced the most.…”

Factors Associated with Discrimination among Minority College Students

“…30,31 Lower socioeconomic status and higher involvement in the criminal justice system have been linked to individuals with darker (versus lighter) skin tones. 32 Additionally, African-American men who have darker skin have reported higher perceived racial discrimination, 33,34 whereas others have experienced racial stereotyping as being dangerous and/or criminal threats. 35,36 Literature examining skin tone and discrimination has produced inconclusive results.…”