Examining the Influence of Skin Color Values on Hispanic Women's Identity Beliefs

Presenter Information

Paula Fernandez

Location

Room 1049

Format Type

Paper

Start Date

January 2011

End Date

January 2011

Abstract

This qualitative study identified the meanings heterosexual emerging adult Hispanic college women give to skin color in dating contexts. Women in this study preferred a “tan” skin color, feeling it was an important symbol of their ethnic identity. They further noted that appearing tan was viewed as attractive in their social and community contexts. Having tan skin increased their perceived value in dating contexts as men responded positively to this idealized skin color.

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Examining the Influence of Skin Color Values on Hispanic Women's Identity Beliefs

Room 1049

This qualitative study identified the meanings heterosexual emerging adult Hispanic college women give to skin color in dating contexts. Women in this study preferred a “tan” skin color, feeling it was an important symbol of their ethnic identity. They further noted that appearing tan was viewed as attractive in their social and community contexts. Having tan skin increased their perceived value in dating contexts as men responded positively to this idealized skin color.