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Book Cover
E-book
Author Jablonski, Nina G

Title Living Color : the Biological and Social Meaning of Skin Color / Nina G. Jablonski
Published Berkeley : University of California Press, ©2012

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Description 1 online resource (xiii, 260 pages, 8 unnumbered pages of plates) : illustrations (some color), maps
Contents pt. 1. Biology -- pt. 2. Society
Summary "Living Color is the first book to investigate the social history of skin color from prehistory to the present, showing how our body's most visible trait influences our social interactions in profound and complex ways. In a fascinating and wide-ranging discussion, Nina G. Jablonski begins with the biology and evolution of skin pigmentation, explaining how skin color changed as humans moved around the globe. She explores the relationship between melanin pigment and sunlight, and examines the consequences of rapid migrations, vacations, and other lifestyle choices that can create mismatches between our skin color and our environment. Richly illustrated, this book explains why skin color has come to be a biological trait with great social meaning- a product of evolution perceived by culture. It considers how we form impressions of others, how we create and use stereotypes, how negative stereotypes about dark skin developed and have played out through history-including being a basis for the transatlantic slave trade. Offering examples of how attitudes about skin color differ in the U.S., Brazil, India, and South Africa, Jablonski suggests that a knowledge of the evolution and social importance of skin color can help eliminate color-based discrimination and racism."-- Provided by publisher
Bibliography Includes bibliographical references and index
Subject Human skin color.
Human skin color -- Physiological aspects
Human skin color -- Social aspects
Human skin color -- Cross-cultural studies
Skin Pigmentation
SOCIAL SCIENCE -- Anthropology -- Physical.
SOCIAL SCIENCE -- Anthropology -- Cultural.
Human skin color
Human skin color -- Physiological aspects
Human skin color -- Social aspects
Genre/Form Cross-cultural studies
Form Electronic book
ISBN 9780520953772
0520953770