Research Project

Skin Tone Identities and Inequalities Project

Principal Investigator

Gordon, Rachel A.

Research Area(s)

Skin Tone

Sociology

Funding Source

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under grant No. 1921526.

Abstract

In this project we conduct experimental research testing the reliability and validity of commonly used skin color measurement tools with the objective of facilitating the collection of consistent and commensurable skin color data in survey and other field settings. We additionally pursue research on how skin color is perceived in social settings, and on how various measures of skin color inform our understanding of  individuals’ collective identities with shared communities as well as their experiences of stereotyping and inequality.