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Exploring the Relationship Between Skin Tone and Self-Esteem Among Females in South Asian Families in India: a Multigenerational Comparison

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Exploring the Relationship Between Skin Tone and Self-Esteem Among Females in South Asian Families in India: a Multigenerational Comparison Exploring the Relationship between Skin Tone and Self-Esteem Among Females in South Asian Families in India: A Multigenerational Comparison by Priya Lena Sharda A thesis submitted in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Graduate Department of Social Justice Education Ontario Institute for Studies in Education University of Toronto © Copyright by Priya Lena Sharda, 2020 i Exploring the Relationship Between Skin Tone and Self-Esteem Among Females in South Asian Families in India: A Multigenerational Comparison Priya Lena Sharda Doctor of Philosophy Graduate Department of Social Justice Education University of Toronto 2020 Abstract Colourism or skin colour stratification is a persistent dilemma for people in India. Socially and culturally constructed definitions of beauty based on skin tone, represent Western realities and continue to sustain beauty ideals that shape the beliefs and practices around fair skin for women. The study of skin tone and its relationship to self-esteem is essential in expanding upon the limited research examining the intersections between body image and the sociocultural experiences of South Asian Indian women. Against the backdrop of Western hegemony, the research discusses how a fair skin beauty ideal impacts different generations of women in New Delhi. More specifically, investigating the relationship between skin tone and self-esteem among women in South Asian families through a multigenerational comparison, provides a deeper understanding of how skin tone bias is perpetuated, while reinforcing and normalizing white heteropatriarchy. Skin tone bias is disseminated through the family, culture and media. The narratives highlight how skin tone bias manifests itself among adult women in different South Asian family units according to their life stage and membership in the family. Women from the young age group (generation) had the lowest self-esteem and faced the most pressure to conform to white skin beauty ideals when compared to older generations in their families. Skin tone appeared to be heavily emphasized for these young women, namely in the context of marriage. ii Grounding the research analysis and discussion in Critical Race Feminism Theory and Post- Structuralist Theory, Westernized beauty ideals prescribe a skin tone archetype that is rooted in colonialism and Western hegemony. They shape and influence the beliefs and practices around fair skin, as well as the self-perceptions and self-esteem of South Asian women. These ideals set the benchmark for women to conform to, but the representations of these standards are exclusionary and increasingly unattainable. Therefore, it provides an opportunity to gain a better understanding and critical awareness regarding how the internalization of a homogenous conception of beauty functions as a tool of oppression, and the potential psychosocial effects it has on different generations of South Asian women. This research lays the groundwork for further study in this area. iii Acknowledgements I have imagined writing this page over and over again in my mind. This journey has shaped, humbled and strengthened me in ways that I would have never imagined. The unwavering support of my family and friends helped me see this through. It truly does take a village to finish a PhD. This dissertation could not have reached completion without the guidance and encouragement of the many people that I must acknowledge and thank. I would like to begin by thanking my first supervisor, Dr. Paul Olson. Thank you for your infinite wisdom, scholarly advice, compassion and steadfast support along my graduate school journey. You are a beacon of intellectual knowledge and I truly thank you for emboldening me to follow my intellectual curiosity and for teaching me to look at the world in a new way. I am grateful for our stimulating conversations, your guidance and attention in my work. I hope our paths will cross again in the future. I would also like to thank my current supervisor, Dr. Njoki Wane. Thank you for taking me under your wing. I could not have asked for a better mentor. Your insights and our fruitful conversations always helped me to expand my thinking on race, beauty and dynamics of power. This dissertation is a collaborative effort; one that you helped give form to. Your warmth, scholarly advice and intellectual prowess enriched my research topic. I express deep gratitude to you. Thank you for getting me to the finish line. I wish to recognize and extend my gratitude to my committee members, Dr. John Portelli and Dr. Martin Cannon. I consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity to work with the both iv of you. Your support and feedback are invaluable contributions to this work through your extensive knowledge, expertise, experience and time, dedicated to supporting me on this academic journey. I wish to also thank Sezen Attacan for all of her help throughout my time in the Social Justice Education Department at O.I.S.E. Your goodwill, genuineness and support helped me each step of the way. Whenever I needed any kind of information or assistance, you were there to lend a hand. I would also like to thank other professors that have had a profound impact on my academic career. Dr. William (Bill) Lee, thank you for your support when I decided to embark on the path to pursue a PhD. Throughout my undergraduate career, you taught me to find my voice and to speak my truth. This truth fueled my desire to continue on the path of higher education as a means to create change and to challenge the status quo. I have always admired your work and how you have brought academia and real social justice issues together through your authenticity, while creating a space for those voices that are most often silenced. These are the elements that develop genuine connections with people and communities. I hope that I can do that in my work too. I am deeply grateful to Dr. Miglena Todorova. I came to O.I.S.E. as a bright eyed student ready to learn all that I could. Your expertise and knowledge furthered my passion for learning. I remember always leaving your classes with a new lens to look at the world around me. You taught me that it was not important what I thought, but how I thought. You taught me that critical thinking was essential in seeing things for what they really are. Thank you for your insightful influence. v I am grateful to the women that I interviewed for my research. The beautiful families that shared their stories with me, stories of sadness, happiness and the struggles that South Asian women still face around traditional gender norms, beauty and the body. You have enriched my life and I am thankful that I had the opportunity to have met each and every one of you. I will remember all of the warm smiles and empowering exchanges. You are all strong souls; I thank you for sharing your time and putting your trust in me. Let us all remember that true beauty is about being comfortable in your own skin. I am blessed to have amazing friendships that nurture me in so many ways. These friendships have enriched my life greatly. Flora (Flo) Vineberg, I am so lucky to have your peaceful presence, wisdom and friendship in my life. Your sincerity and exuberance to make the world a better place is inspirational. To my social justice companions and comrades, Natasha Gibbs- Watson and Dr. Christopher Taylor, I am fortunate to have met the both of you. Tasha, your authenticity, intellect and insights never cease to amaze me. Your kind heart and infectious laugh are truly a gift. Chris, thank you for your mentorship. Your integrity, kindness and giving nature enrich the lives of those who meet you. I thank you both for your wisdom, support, guidance, and most of all, friendship. Keep fighting the good fight. I am fortunate enough to have the presence of dear friends in my life, though I cannot name them all, I express my sincerest gratitude to Manisha Moran, Kim Barton and Nayara Mouktarr. You have all walked with me on this journey in different ways, encouraging me, supporting me, uplifting me, being there for me and most of all, for listening to me go on about this dissertation. I extend my gratitude for your friendship, care and compassion. I am also vi indebted to Mr. Ernest (Ernie) Harris. Thank you for always being my mentor and seeing the best in me even during those times when I was not able to see that in myself. I appreciate your scholarly advice, support and kindness in both my professional and academic careers. You taught me to push myself in order to reach new limits that I never thought imaginable. This has given me the confidence to step into my power and to pursue my passion for academia. I am especially blessed to be supported and loved by members of my extended family (by choice). I am moved by their authenticity, thoughtfulness and kindness. I am forever grateful and touched by their love and faith in me. I owe my sincerest thanks and love to Reneé Hewer, Tracy (Morris) Pettenuzzo, Lisa Wilkinson, Shelley Lalonde and Michael (Mike) Figueroa. You have all stuck by my side through both good and bad times. Your unwavering support, compassion and presence in my life has taught me the true meaning of friendship and family. Your presence in my life makes me a better person and refreshes my soul. Thank you for walking beside me. My family is my backbone. I am thankful to my family and those ancestors who may no longer be in this world, but who forever live in my heart.
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