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Classification Algorithm for Skin Color (CASCo): A new tool to measure skin color in social science research

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  • René Alejandro Rejón Piña
  • Chenglong Ma

Abstract

Objective A growing body of literature reveals that skin color has significant effects on people's income, health, education, and employment. However, the ways in which skin color has been measured in empirical research have been criticized for being inaccurate, if not subjective and biased. Objective Introduce an objective, automatic, accessible and customizable Classification Algorithm for Skin Color (CASCo). Methods We review the methods traditionally used to measure skin color (verbal scales, visual aids or color palettes, photo elicitation, spectrometers and image‐based algorithms), noting their shortcomings. We highlight the need for a different tool to measure skin color Results We present CASCo, a (social researcher‐friendly) Python library that uses face detection, skin segmentation and k‐means clustering algorithms to determine the skin tone category of portraits. Conclusion After assessing the merits and shortcomings of all the methods available, we argue CASCo is well equipped to overcome most challenges and objections posed against its alternatives. While acknowledging its limitations, we contend that CASCo should complement researchers. toolkit in this area.

Suggested Citation

  • René Alejandro Rejón Piña & Chenglong Ma, 2023. "Classification Algorithm for Skin Color (CASCo): A new tool to measure skin color in social science research," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 104(2), pages 168-179, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:socsci:v:104:y:2023:i:2:p:168-179
    DOI: 10.1111/ssqu.13242
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Joni Hersch, 2008. "Profiling the New Immigrant Worker: The Effects of Skin Color and Height," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 26(2), pages 345-386, April.
    2. Rodolfo Espino & Michael M. Franz, 2002. "Latino Phenotypic Discrimination Revisited: The Impact of Skin Color on Occupational Status," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 83(2), pages 612-623, June.
    3. Loveman, Mara, 2014. "National Colors: Racial Classification and the State in Latin America," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199337361.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kenneth Colombe & Alex Krumer & Rosa Lavelle-Hill & Tim Pawlowski, 2025. "Racial bias, colorism, and overcorrection," Papers 2508.10585, arXiv.org, revised Sep 2025.

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