Skin deep: race, beauty, and skin colour in Britain, 1930-1980

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Parkes, Bethany (2023). Skin deep: race, beauty, and skin colour in Britain, 1930-1980. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This thesis interrogates the history of British racism and skin tone through the lens of skin modification practices from 1930-80. It uses suntanning and skin bleaching as case studies to illustrate the permanence of systemic racism in British society, probing the intersections between race, gender, skin, and beauty. In so doing it situates studies of bleaching and tanning within constructions of race and whiteness, illustrating the ways in which these modification techniques shaped the ways that racism was experienced in Britain. It juxtaposes dermatological and cultural histories and sources to illustrate attitudes toward skin tone and the permanence of systemic racism in Britain.
Both case studies trace the rise of skin bleaching and suntanning, respectively, using a wide range of sources from science and dermatology, alongside sources from popular culture outlets. This exposes the juxtaposing discourses of science and culture surrounding skin modification, and change over time with regard to medical advice and cultural fashions, embedded within systems of race. This thesis furthers historiographical debates within a wide range of fields in modern British history, print culture, histories of race, and histories of women, gender, and feminism.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):