Intra-group colorism among minorities correlates with lower self-esteem in darker-skinned members

Evidence

More generally, theorizing about the damaging psychological effects of being a target of prejudice, discrimination, and stigma was widespread following Allport’s book, but empirical research since 1954 has had diffi- culty confirming the damaged self-esteem hypothesis. Indeed, based on several studies that support the positive self-esteem of Blacks, Twenge and Crocker (2002) provided a comprehensive meta-analysis that compellingly makes the opposite case. They found that Blacks, on average, have higher self-esteem than Whites, who in turn have higher self-esteem than Asians, American Indians, and Hispanics. Moreover, the Black–White self-esteem gap has actually increased since 1980. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1064 (#complicates, via linked claim)

In a related perspective, people may justify their current place in the social system by prejudice toward outgroups (see Jost & Hamilton, ch. 13 this volume). This protects the self-esteem of dominant groups, not subordinate ones, unless subordinate groups are allowed positive stereotypes on some unimportant dimension. For example, ambivalent sexism consists of hostility toward women who violate traditional gender roles and benevolent (paternalistic) appreciation of women who adhere to them (Glick & Fiske, 2001). — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 345 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• corroborated: 3 independent passages support this claim
• XREF: connects to: Racial group differences in self-esteem reverse the expected hierarchy — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1064; Minority members internalize negative ingroup stereotypes more strongly than majority members; Minorities internalize majority-group stereotypes, producing self-directed racial bias (+3 more)

Broader Connections

• Racial group differences in self-esteem reverse the expected hierarchy #complicates (0.78) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1064
• Downward and intraclass comparisons protect the self-esteem of low-status groups #complicates (0.75)
• System-justifying prejudice protects dominant groups’ self-esteem, not subordinate ones’ #complicates (0.72) — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 345