The effect of hairstyle on the perceptions of black women's personality and earning potential

Malyn Pope

OAI: oai:digitalcommons.winthrop.edu:mcnair_sre-1003

The current study addressed a gap in the literature by examining if a black woman's hairstyle impacted perceptions of her personality and earning potential. Participants were presented with an image of a black woman with one of four hairstyles and asked to assess aspects of her personality and career. Results revealed that regardless of hairstyle, participants had similar perceptions of the woman's warmth, attractiveness and professionalism. There were no gender differences; however, black participants found the afro condition to reflect the highest competence levels, while white participants preferred the curly condition.

Biology