Unpacking ‘Whitening’: A Social and Cultural Phenomenon in Latin America during the 1930s

During the 1930s, there was an emphasis on _______ which involved rejecting cultural practices associated with African or indigenous cultures and instilling new habits of education, health, hygiene, and diet that were considered to be closer to white

behavioral whitening

During the 1930s, there was a social and cultural phenomenon known as “whitening” that involved the rejection of cultural practices associated with non-European groups, particularly African and indigenous cultures. “Whitening” was a process by which individuals, particularly in Latin America, sought to distance themselves from their ethnic and racial background to become more accepted by white society. This process involved the adoption of Western standards of education, health, hygiene, and diet, which were believed to be superior.

This emphasis on “whitening” was often spurred on by the belief that European culture and values were more advanced and sophisticated than non-European cultures. The belief was that those who could adopt these practices would become more successful and accepted in society. As such, at the time, “whitening” was seen as a way of improving one’s social and economic prospects.

However, “whitening” also had the unfortunate effect of creating a hierarchy of races and cultures, with European culture deemed superior to others. This ideology was harmful and has had long-lasting effects in Latin American societies. It is important to understand this history to better comprehend the current state of race relations and the ongoing fight against racism and discrimination in Latin America and beyond.

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