Later research has challenged the conclusion that an African American child's preference for a White doll indicates a negative self-image or low self-esteem. A 2017 study by Rogers and Meltzoff, for instance, found that for diverse children around age 10, gender identity was a more influential factor than race in their choices. This suggests that the meaning of race is an evolving concept for young children. The same study did find, however, that children from ethnic minorities placed more importance on their racial identity compared to their White counterparts.

Critiques of the Clark Doll Study's Interpretation

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.

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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.

Clark Doll Study

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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