Pigmentocracy and Power: An Interpretive Study on Skin Tone Bias and Its Health Impacts among Young Women in South India

R. Kumaran

Abstract: This study investigates how colourism a form of discrimination based on skin tone affects the physical, psychological, and social well - being of young women in India. Drawing on qualitative data from ten postgraduate students at Gandhigram Rural Institute, the research employs a phenomenological framework to explore how familial, peer, and media influences shape perceptions and experiences of skin colour. Findings reveal that colourism contributes to diminished self - esteem, social isolation, unhealthy beauty practices, and intergenerational transmission of biases. The study underscores the urgent need for socio - cultural interventions and inclusive beauty norms to counteract the long - standing impact of colourism.

Keywords: Colourism, health outcomes, body image, young women, socialization, India, phenomenology

How to Cite?: R. Kumaran, "Pigmentocracy and Power: An Interpretive Study on Skin Tone Bias and Its Health Impacts among Young Women in South India", Volume 8 Issue 5, May 2019, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 2250-2255, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR19059082359, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR19059082359