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Colorism and Hairism in Communities of Color


Course Description

We will use empirical data to analyze how inter- and intra-racial discrimination based on skin color and hairstyles are forms of discrimination apparent in virtually every social institution, such as marriage rates, media, imprisonment, holding political office, educational attainment, wages, and more.


Athena Title

Colorism and Hairism


Semester Course Offered

Offered every year.


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

Our goal in this course is to understand how colorism and hairism impact communities of color. Students will learn the history and rationale behind colorism and hairism, gain knowledge of contemporary research on skin tone, colorism, and hairism, and learn how to fight against these forms of discrimination.


Topical Outline

1. History of colorism and hairism 2. Legality of colorism and hairism 3. Colorism and hairism in the criminal justice system 4. Colorism and hairism in politics 5. Colorism x hairism x gender and marriage 6. Colorism x hairism x gender in the media 7. Chemically altering skin and hair 8. Colorism x hairism x body type 9. Colorism and hairism in sports 10. Colorism and hairism on socioeconomic status


Syllabus