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All Journal Masyarakat, Kebudayaan dan Politik Journal of Southern Sociological Studies
Karen Mwende Kinuthia
Department of Development Studies, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
Religion Arts Humanities Social Sciences

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Afrocentric beauty: The proliferation of ‘Texturist’ and ‘Colorist’ beliefs among young women in Kenya Karen Mwende Kinuthia; Emy Susanti; Stacy Pamba Kokonya
Masyarakat, Kebudayaan dan Politik Vol. 36 No. 1 (2023): Masyarakat, Kebudayaan dan Politik
Publisher : Faculty of Social and Political Science, Universitas Airlangga

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.20473/mkp.V36I12023.32-43

Abstract

The beauty ideals of a Eurocentric nature have been promulgated among African communities for decades dating back to the colonial era. The beauty ideal posits lighter or brown skin tone as prettier and straight hair as attractive. The study aimed to identify ways in which families and peers have perpetuated this common beauty ideal within the home and school settings and how these have influenced how young women view themselves. There were 20 young women of different skin tones ranging from light, medium (brown) to dark participated in two focus group discussions. Thematic analysis was used whereby three main themes (familial influence, peer socialization and self-perceptions) and four sub-themes were identified (general opinion, teasing, family disassociation and preferential vs. unfair treatment). Findings revealed that family member and peers knowingly and unknowingly augmented ‘colorist’ and ‘texturist’ beliefs by ridiculing both dark-skinned and light-skinned women. Most of them treated dark skinned people unfairly. The research findings suggested that future research should investigate how body features represent attractiveness within the African communities.
The Sexual Abuse of Children by Biological Fathers : A Sociological Case Study on Causative Factors, Consequences, and Social Responses within The Family Context Vindhy Equilla Volvolensza Nova Octaline William; Karen Mwende Kinuthia
Journal of Southern Sociological Studies Vol. 1 No. 2 (2025): Voices from The South
Publisher : Master's Program in Sociology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Negeri Surabaya

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.26740/jsss.v1i2.43577

Abstract

Sexual abuse of children by biological fathers represents one of the most complex and painful forms of domestic violence, as the perpetrator is a figure who, both socially and symbolically, is expected to be a protector. This study aims to reveal the causative factors, psychosocial impacts, and social responses to sexual abuse committed by biological fathers against their daughters. The research uses a qualitative approach and a case study method, involving in-depth interviews with three survivors. The findings indicate that sexual abuse within the family is heavily influenced by patriarchal structures that normalize male dominance in the household, as well as manipulative and closed patterns of father-child communication. Radical feminist theory is used to explain how patriarchy serves as the root of sexual domination and control over women's bodies, even in private family spaces. Meanwhile, family symbolic theory highlights the breakdown of the father's protective role, which is instead used to silence the victim. The impacts include long-term trauma, social alienation, trust issues, and educational setbacks. Social responses remain inadequate or victim-blaming, while institutional interventions are uneven and lack comprehensiveness. This study recommends child protection reform, gender-equitable family education, and more responsive social empowerment for victims of family-based sexual violence.
Co-Authors Emy Susanti Stacy Pamba Kokonya Vindhy Equilla Volvolensza Nova Octaline William