Skin-Tone Effects among African Americans: Perceptions and Reality

摘要

There are considerable racial disparities in economic outcomes and health, as well as evidence that these effects of race differ by skin tone, with darker skin tone being associated with inferior economic outcomes and higher blood pressure. Using data from three sources, I find consistent evidence that African Americans with lighter skin tone have higher educational attainment than those with darker skin tone, with some, but limited, evidence that the racial difference in wages is attenuated by lighter skin tone. I explore explanations for these findings, considering the influence of possible measurement error, perceived attractiveness, access to integrated schools or work groups, perceived discrimination, and genetic differences. The perception that there is differential treatment on the basis of skin tone is more pronounced than the observed disparities.