The origins and effects of "Colorism" in Latin America: A case study of Mexico and Brazil

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to explore how skin color affects a person’s status in the society. The effects of skin color allows for finer distinctions than provided by major racial categories. The study of skin color (colorism), rather than race categories, allows for finer distinctions in the Latin American context, where there are a large number of people of mixed races. The subject of racism and white privilege almost invariably pertains to differences between blacks and white in America without consideration of the effects the variations of skin tones have on the social hierarchy. This thesis will examine the topic of colorism by taking into account: 1) the geographical and historical factors which were involved in creation of white racial superiority in Latin America and 2) the role played by the independence movements in creating and maintaining colorism in the region