colorism

Colorism is a form of prejudice or discrimination in which people are treated differently according to the shade of their skin, typically privileging lighter tones over darker ones within the same racial or ethnic group. It can occur within communities and across groups and often operates alongside racism to shape opportunities, perceptions, and social hierarchies.

Rooted in historical systems of hierarchy such as slavery, colonialism, and caste-like social stratifications, colorism operates alongside racism and class discrimination and can persist across generations. It influences how individuals are perceived in terms of desirability, trustworthiness, and competence, and can affect access to education, employment, housing, and media representation. It also intersects with gender, age, immigration status, and socioeconomic position.

Common manifestations include differential employment outcomes, preferential treatment in education, media representation of lighter-skinned people, and demand for skin-lightening products. Global patterns vary by region, with notable visibility in Latin America, the Caribbean, South Asia, and Africa, while also appearing in North America and Europe through immigrant and mixed-race communities.

Impacts include psychosocial stress, reduced self-esteem, restricted opportunities, and health risks from unsafe cosmetic products. Measurement and research use surveys, ethnographic studies, skin-tone scales, and implicit association tests, though definitions and methods vary.

Responses include advocacy, anti-discrimination laws, corporate diversity and inclusion programs, media literacy efforts, and public health regulation of unregulated cosmetics. Criticism and nuance exist as scholars debate whether colorism is distinct from racism, or an integral part of racial hierarchies, alongside ongoing discussions about terminology and scope.