An Analysis of Colorism and its Origins in Iran

• In Event: Education Across Borders: Identity and Transformation in Global Contexts

Abstract

This working paper looks at colorism in Iran, a social issue that often goes unnoticed. Despite the cultural teaching that Iranians are a single-race nation, colorism exists, as reflected in childhood songs and social attitudes that place lighter skin above darker tones. Drawing from personal experiences and foundational research, this study explores how colorism affects people in Iran. Although research has addressed colorism among the Iranian diaspora in the U.S., little to no work has been done to discuss this issue within Iran itself. I propose the term Poost Garaei (پوست گرایی) in Farsi as a possible Farsi translation for colorism, recognizing the need for a local term to describe this reality. By filling the Iranian social and cultural studies gap, this research seeks to start a conversation on colorism and its impact on people’s social life.

Author

• Zahra Khodaverdi, Washington State University