Who conducted the Doll Experiment to demonstrate the negative effects of segregation on children?

The Doll Experiment, which aimed to showcase the negative effects of segregation on children's self-perception and attitudes, was conducted by Kenneth Clark. This significant study involved presenting young children with two dolls, one light-skinned and the other dark-skinned, and asking them questions about which doll they preferred. The results revealed a disturbing preference for the lighter-skinned doll, highlighting internalized racism and the detrimental impacts of segregation on self-esteem among African American children.

Kenneth Clark’s work provided empirical evidence supporting the argument against segregation, which was pivotal during the civil rights movement. His findings were later cited in the landmark Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education, where the Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. This experiment demonstrated not just the psychological effects of segregation but also emphasized the societal need for equitable treatment and integration in educational settings.