Aspirations and meanings of lighter skin tone in the African context: A rapid review

Abstract

Across cultures, skin tone is associated with social impressions and outcomes, but the meanings and implications of these associations has not garnered clear research evidence. This rapid review aimed to aggregate the evidence regarding the ascribed meanings and implications of lighter skin tone in the African context. The search included EBSCO Discovery Services as well as electronic databases such as Google Scholar, JSTOR Journals, PsycINFO, and Science Direct. Scientific literature was reviewed if they met the following criteria: peer-reviewed, full-text, qualitative, quantitative, mixed-method, and in English; resulting in 11 studies for the rapid review. Thematic analysis of the key findings from these studies yielded the following skin tone related social qualities: enhancing attractiveness, social visibility, and perceived access to opportunities. From these findings, it would seem that lighter skin tone is associated with social attractiveness and desirability, contributing to access to privileges or opportunity with greater self-representation. By implications, these skin tone affordances may have physical and psychological consequences for those who subscribe to them.