Colorism’s Effects on Job Obtainment for Early Adult Women in Ghana

This study explored how colorism and professional networking influence employment opportunities for early adult women in Ghana. Grounded in critical race theory, functionalism, and social capital theory, the research examined the lived experiences of eight Ghanaian women between the ages of 18 and 21. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, data were collected through 90-minute semi-structured Zoom interviews. Findings revealed that colorism is embedded within structural and social systems, shaping job access through appearance-based biases and unequal reliance on social capital. Lighter-skinned participants reported more direct hiring pathways, while darker-skinned participants faced exclusion, subtle discrimination, and greater dependency on referrals and mentorship. The study also uncovered varied levels of awareness regarding colorism’s influence, ranging from denial to gradual recognition. These insights culminated in the development of a researcher-constructed conceptual model illustrating how institutional norms, network-based gatekeeping, and internalized perceptions of professionalism converge to reinforce colorism in employment. The study highlights the need for inclusive hiring practices and broader systemic reforms to address appearance-based inequities in the Ghanaian job market.