Colorism and the Curriculum: Lessons From Skin Bleachers in Jamaica

• In Event: Examining Teaching While Addressing Implications and Differences in Race, Gender, and Ethnicity

Abstract

Abstract:
Our communities are changing; they are becoming more populated with people from diverse backgrounds thereby increasing demand for an effective higher education system. Despite efforts to broaden the curriculum with multicultural/diversity based courses, the discourse on colorism as a significant problem of discrimination and social stratification for people of color deserves greater attention. This presentation will highlight findings from a study which focused on the issue of colorism and the practice of skin-bleaching in Jamaica. These findings have implications for curriculum development in higher education.
Objectives
This presentation highlights findings from a study focused on the issue of colorism and the corresponding practice of skin bleaching. It has implications that extend throughout various aspects of higher education and would be of interest to anyone interested in multicultural education and with issues related to race, class, and skin color. As such, this presentation is framed towards advancing diversity/African American Studies and enhancing pathways to success within higher education

Theoretical Framework
The frameworks guiding this research are postcolonialism and social cognitive theory. These bodies of literature offer the system of concepts, assumptions and theories that inform the research (Miles & Huberman, 1994). Using these lenses we can understand the ideology, motivation, and practice of skin bleaching in Jamaica from the perspectives of those engaged in the process.

Methods
Since the study sought to explore the phenomenon of skin bleaching, among those who engage in the practice, it called for a naturalistic (Denzin & Lincoln, 2005) approach. The methodology utilized in this research study was qualitative. Qualitatively designed studies are naturalistic because the research occurs in real world settings with interviews made up of open-ended questions in locations that are comfortable and familiar to the participants (Patton, 2002).

Data sources
There were seven participants in the study. Applications for all the seven students applying for the program were considered. The researcher used the following criteria to solicit participation: (1) complete application question on student teaching application indicating interest in urban student teaching, and (2) complete two essay questions on the application

Findings
The six themes emerged from the analysis, they include: (a) multiple and inconsistent definitions of bleaching (b) mixed reviews of bleaching in Jamaica, (c) expertise in managing the bleaching process, (d) the nature of the bleaching practice, (e) the motivation for the bleaching practice, and (f) the government’s efforts to ban bleaching.
Significance
Colorism is a pervasive sociological issue among communities of color. It describes the problem of skin-tone discrimination among people of the same race, particularly problematic in African American and Mexican American communities but the stratification that occurs based on complexion is an important issue for all people of color. Colorism provides privilege to people with lighter skin tones over those with dark skin tones in areas such as income, housing, and education.

Author

• Petra Alaine Robinson, Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge