“Race” vs. “Ethnicity”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “race” and “ethnicity”

  • Race focuses on physical characteristics while ethnicity is more closely tied to cultural identity.
  • Race is a socially constructed category based on physical characteristics, while ethnicity is more related to cultural practices and heritage.
  • Ethnicity is often passed down from generation to generation, while race is not necessarily based on ancestry.
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What is the definition of “race” and “ethnicity”?

Race
  • Refers to physical characteristics shared among a group of people, such as skin color, eye shape and bone structure.
  • It is a social construct, not a biological one, that has been historically used to categorize people into different groups based on those physical characteristics.
Ethnicity
  • Refers to cultural and social characteristics shared among a group of people, such as language, religion, ancestral heritage, and geography.
  • It can refer to a variety of traits and customs that define a group's identity, which can be passed down through generations.
  • Often used to describe more specific groups such as "Hispanic/Latino," "Irish," or "Jewish."

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Race” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
Race
1,550,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The city marathon attracted participants from various races and ethnicities.
  2. The school promotes diversity and inclusivity by welcoming students of all races.
  3. It's essential to recognize and appreciate the contributions of individuals from different races in our society.
Ethnicity
328,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The diversity of ethnicity in the United States has led to a rich cultural tapestry.
  2. People from all ethnicities came together to celebrate the festival of lights.
  3. Understanding and respecting each other's ethnicity is key to building a harmonious society.
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