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Skin color, physical appearance, and perceived discriminatory treatment

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  • Hersch, Joni

Abstract

This paper examines the relation between observer-ratings of attractiveness and skin tone, weight, and height, and provides evidence on whether these physical characteristics affect the likelihood that individuals report discriminatory treatment in a variety of contexts. African Americans with lighter color, and white men with darker color, are rated as more attractive, as are taller men and both men and women of normal weight. Although a vast literature indicates that physical appearance influences how one is treated, there is little evidence that perceived discriminatory treatment is related to physical characteristics such as attractiveness, weight, or height. An exception is for African Americans with lighter skin color who report less discriminatory treatment in daily activities and on the basis of color.

Suggested Citation

  • Hersch, Joni, 2011. "Skin color, physical appearance, and perceived discriminatory treatment," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 40(5), pages 671-678.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:soceco:v:40:y:2011:i:5:p:671-678
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socec.2011.05.006
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    Cited by:

    1. Chan, Ho Fai & Ulrich, Fabian & Altman, Hannah & Schmidt, Sascha L. & Schreyer, Dominik & Torgler, Benno, 2022. "Beyond performance? The importance of subjective and objective physical appearance in award nominations and receptions in football," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 204(C), pages 271-289.
    2. Jessica Inocencio-Gray & Dianna L. Stone, 2013. "The Relations Between Race, Differences in Cultural Values, and Experienced Discrimination of Immigrants in the U.S," Working Papers 0224mgt, College of Business, University of Texas at San Antonio.
    3. Jack I. Richter & Pankaj C. Patel, 2022. "Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the hours lost by self-employed racial minorities: evidence from Brazil," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 58(2), pages 769-805, February.
    4. Dilmaghani, Maryam, 2020. "Beauty perks: Physical appearance, earnings, and fringe benefits," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 38(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Skin tone; Attractiveness; Obesity; Discrimination;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J7 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Discrimination
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification

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