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ALL IS NOT FAIR: The Cosmetics war on Women in India

THESIS ABSTRACT

Sandeep K. Sambhi

Master of Science

Conflict Dispute Resolution Program

June 2016

Title: All is Not Fair: The Cosmetics War on Women in India

I examine the effects of skin whitening and bleaching practices by women and girls of India, and the links between globalization, capitalism, and Indian media. I examine the negative health effects of the use of skin lightening creams, along with the psycho-social effects for women and girls, and the pan-cultural effects of the advertising and marketing by the companies who sell these creams as cosmetics. I argue that the companies who sell them carry great economic power, bolstered by their promotion of colorism and bias toward fair skin. The links between profit, colorism, caste and gender

inequality are explored, along with the historical roots of caste and color in India. Media bias for fair skin in India and media are discussed, along with effects on women’s efficacy, self-esteem, and the effects of fair skin bias on opportunities in work and marriage. Resolution, education and public outreach efforts are also presented here.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:uoregon.edu/oai:scholarsbank.uoregon.edu:1794/20709
Date21 November 2016
CreatorsSambhi, Sandeep
ContributorsGirvan, Erik
PublisherUniversity of Oregon
Source SetsUniversity of Oregon
Languageen_US
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeElectronic Thesis or Dissertation
RightsAll Rights Reserved.

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