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Title: The Economic Consequences of Colorism and Complexion Homogamy in the Black Community: Some Historical Evidence

Citation Type: Conference Paper

Publication Year: 2005

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Abstract: Whether measured by social rank, occupational status or educational levels, newlyweds tend to resembleone another. The pattern of like marrying like, which anthropologists label status homogamy, is observedacross time and place, and is true among both commoners and the nobility. This paper investigatescomplexion homogamy (light marries light and dark marries dark) in the African-American community.The evidence reveals a marked pattern of complexion homogamy dating back to the mid-nineteenthcentury. The evidence also reveals that the convention of complexion homogamy had meaningfuleconomic ramifications. Complexion homogamous marriages among light-complected blacks resulted inhouseholds with higher literacy rates, higher occupational status, and greater wealth.

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Authors: Bodenhorn, Howard

Conference Name: Southern Economic Association

Publisher Location: Washington, DC

Data Collections: IPUMS USA

Topics: Race and Ethnicity

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