Perceptions of Own and Others' Skin Tones, Colorism, and Ethnic Identity with South Asian American Emerging Adults

The present mixed-methods study aimed to examine whether one�s own perceived skin tone and skin tone satisfaction were related to in-group colorism and ethnic identity among a sample of 472 second-generation South Asian American emerging adults aged 18-29 years old. The influences of gender identity on these constructs and their interrelationships were also explored. Quantitative analyses conducted via structural equation modeling (SEM) found that greater skin tone satisfaction was a significant predictor of stronger ethnic identity, a relationship that was stronger for men than women. One�s own perceived skin tone was not a significant predictor of ethnic identity or in-group colorism and was not significantly correlated to skin tone satisfaction. Qualitative analyses using a discovery-oriented approach demonstrated preliminary evidence for the skin tone paradox. The most common self-descriptions of skin tone were lighter-skinned and brown. Ethnic identification and belonging, as well as positive skin tone experiences, were the most frequently shared reasons for skin tone satisfaction level. Participants reported general positive perceptions and experiences and an increased sense of belonging with others of their ethnicity were the most common influences of skin tone on ethnic identity. Areas of quantitative and qualitative convergence include (1) skin tone satisfaction as a salient factor influencing ethnic identity, (2) importance of ethnic identity endorsement, and (3) no influence of gender identity on skin tone perceptions, which corroborates quantitative non-significant findings. Areas of divergence include (1) differences in self-descriptions of one�s own perceived skin tone and (2) an endorsement of skin tone acceptance rather than a desire to change skin tone. The cross-validation of findings are discussed, as well as future directions and practical implications.