The "Doll Study," conducted by Kenneth and Mamie Clark in the 1940s, played a significant role in changing our educational system by providing evidence of the harmful effects of segregation on African American children's self-esteem and academic achievement. The study involved showing black children two dolls, one white and one black, and asking them to identify the dolls' race and which one they preferred. The majority of the children preferred the white doll, indicating internalized racial prejudice due to segregation.
Two institutions that influenced and assisted in the change following the Doll Study were the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) and the Supreme Court. The NAACP used the study's findings as evidence in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case, which led to the Supreme Court ruling that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional.
Today, the impact of the Doll Study can still be seen in society through ongoing efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in education and other sectors. Schools have implemented policies to address issues of racial bias and discrimination, aiming to create inclusive environments where all students feel valued and represented. The study continues to serve as a reminder of the importance of confronting prejudice and promoting equality to build a more just and equitable society.
