Beauty Thesis: How Skin Tone and Beauty Rankings Interact in Labor Market Outcomes

Beauty Thesis: How Skin Tone and Beauty Rankings Interact in Labor Market Outcomes. Isabel Queen. Haverford College, Department of Economic. Thesis, 2021. http://hdl.handle.net/10066/23568

Abstract: This paper looks at the effects of beauty and skin tone on income using data from the General Social Survey. Beauty premiums and skin tone penalties exist and have a significant impact on labor market outcomes. More beautiful people make more money, and darker skin-toned people make less money. Black men show the largest beauty premium. This research suggests that the effect of looks on income becomes even greater as skin tone is darker. White respondents show a skin tone penalty for both males and females. Industry and service jobs show significant beauty premiums, and the service industry shows a skin tone penalty. This research suggests that grooming is more significant than looks in determining income in all groups except black men.