Perceptions of black men in Katlehong about female "Yellow Bones" : a case study

Abstract : This study was designed to gain a nuanced understanding of how selected young black men perceive female “yellow bones” in Katlehong township, South Africa. Widespread attention has been given to skin tones in black communities and quite a few studies have found that in black communities a person with a lighter skin tone seem to have a higher social status than one with a darker skin tone. Due to the idealisation of a light complexion some black women go to great lengths to achieve a light skin. This study used a qualitative approach. Interviews were conducted as a method of data collection and this approach assisted in examining the nuances and complexities of the phenomenon. The study found that participants believe “yellow boned” women are more beautiful than those with darker skin. Participants felt that their preference for light-skinned women is attributed to the history of the country, and that the media foregrounds a western ideal of beauty that affects social perceptions. Some participants alluded to a lighter skin tone operating as a form of symbolic capital. The study not only exposes a range of different views black men have about “yellow boned” women, but also presents different views on how males use female “yellow bones” to gain social status in the community. The findings of this study cannot be generalised to the broad South African population as the sample is fairly small (18 young men who live in Katlehong). This study suggests that future research could take the key findings of this study forward through focus group research in order to observe group dynamics and whether the focus group participants influence each other’s views and opinions. The study could also be replicated in other areas of the country.M.A. (Communication Studies