Understanding the Distinction Between Race and Ethnicity

Abstract

Race/Ethnicity Assignment Race and ethnicity are two terms that are often used interchangeably to describe human diversity. The two terms are technically distinct and allow for the separation of human identities. Race can be defined as a term that combines physical, behavioral and cultural attributes while describing a person (Suyemoto, Curley and Mukkamala, 2020). It is interesting to note that among the primary physical characteristics that define one race is colour which is physically visible even from a distance. Unlike race characterized by physical, behavioral and cultural attributes, ethnicity is characterized by language and shared culture. Language serves as the primary determinant of one's ethnicity, among other cultural values like religious beliefs, among others. For this reason, an ethnic group can be defined as a group of people whose identity or togetherness is based on a shared/standard set of traditions, social treatment within their area of residence, ancestry, language, history, and culture, among other factors. The main difference between race and ethnicity is that race has characterized race as the primary phenotypic feature. In contrast, ethnicity is primarily characterized by linguistic and cultural affinities and genetic similarities of a particular group of people (Suyemoto, Curley and Mukkamala, 2020). One can also argue that race is narrow-based on similar physical and biological attributes, whereas ethnicity is broad-based on cultural expressions and places of origin. It is interesting to note that people identify themselves more with their ethnicity as opposed to race. For instance, one may define his/her race as black as attributed to their skin or hair colour. However, for further identification from the narrowed categorization by race, particular ethnicity can identify the same person as an Italian. For this reason, unlike with race, where different ethnic groups become broadly defined as of the same race, ethnicity...