Understanding Race and Ethnicity

Introduction

Race is often defined by physical appearances such as skin color, hair, and facial features.
These criteria vary across cultures and are influenced by societal interpretations.

Race is a socially constructed category used to categorize people based on perceived important biological traits.
Societal views determine which traits are considered significant.

Skin color is often used to separate races but isn't definitive.
The 'one-drop rule' in the US classifies individuals with any African ancestry as Black.
Historically, definitions of who is considered "White" have evolved, e.g., Irish and Italians were once not considered White in the US.

Race: Categorized by observable physical traits.
Ethnicity: Categories based on cultural traits like language, traditions, and religion.
Example: Hispanic is an ethnicity, not a race.

Hispanic: Refers to heritage from Spanish-speaking countries.
Latino/Latinx: Heritage from Latin America (e.g., Mexico, South America).
Not all Hispanics are Latino (e.g., Spanish origins), and not all Latinos are Hispanic (e.g., Brazilians).

Influences social outcomes like education, income, and justice system experiences.
Which groups are advantaged or disadvantaged varies by location and time.

Minority: Groups with less societal power, not necessarily smaller in number.
- Example: Women in the US, South African apartheid.
Minority-Majority: Non-White groups becoming larger, yet not dominant in power (e.g., in some US states).

White: Includes European, Middle Eastern, and some North African origins.
Black or African American: Includes African and Afro-Caribbean heritage.
American Indian or Alaska Native: Indigenous to the contiguous US and Alaska.
Asian: Origins in Eastern Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Indian subcontinent.
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: Includes Hawaii and other Pacific Islands.
Some Other Race: Catch-all category for those not fitting other groups.

Racial definitions evolve over time, influenced by societal perceptions.
Understanding these categories helps in recognizing how race and ethnicity impact societal dynamics.