The Clarks theorized that segregation resulted in an unhealthy self-concept among African American children. This conclusion was based on their doll study, which consistently showed that these children, across both northern and southern states, were more inclined to prefer a White doll over a Black doll.

Clark and Clark's Theory on Segregation's Impact on Self-Concept

The Clark Doll Study was a landmark research project where African American children were presented with both Black and White dolls and asked about their preferences. The study's findings were used to demonstrate the detrimental psychological impact of segregation in the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case.

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Kenneth and Mamie Clark were influential psychologists who conducted the first psychological research ever used as evidence in a Supreme Court case. Their work focused on the psychological effects of segregation on children.

Kenneth and Mamie Clark

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

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