Race Social Construction
Definition of Race Race is a social construction which involves putting people into categories to determine which group of people were to be considered privileged or otherwise superior to others. This categorization of people has been a concept not always understood. Therefore, to gain greater insight regarding this concept, one must fully examine the motivating factors that led Americans to construct racial categories and learn how race relations affect society as a whole.
How Social Construction Compares to the Biological View of Race As previously stated, race is a social construction that occurs when society places individuals in categories that are based solely on their physical differences such as skin color and other physical attributes (Schaefer, 2013). This type of racial ideology has been politically supported and reinforces the belief that one race is superior or inferior to another. The Holocaust and slavery are examples of the detrimental impact this type of racial categorizing has on society. Just like social construction, the biological view of race was utilized to justify and perpetuate racial discrimination. However, unlike …show more content…
social construction, the biological view of race was based on the idea that race could be justified solely by genetic differences among individuals and groups (Schaefer, 2013). However, scientists found that ideology to be inconclusive because the use of DNA research found individuals to have numerous races within their genetic background. Due to migration, exploration, and in some cases invasions among the human population, the existence of racial exclusivity does not exist (Schaefer, 2013).
Race and Racial Categories Historically, race and racial categories have been used to organize groups of people based on their skin color and physical characteristics. Some early Americans assumed they were superior to other races which was one of the motivating factors that perpetuated the inferior treatment of other racial groups (Schaefer, 2013). Racial formation was an additional method used to place racial groups into categories. The motivation behind using this categorization was based on the belief that early Americans needed to utilize some form of racial classification to comply with the federal government’s requirement to keep track of records which would aid in the prevention of genetic diseases (Omi & Winant, 2008).
Which Approach Matches Most Closely to the Definition of Race in America Assimilation and pluralism are the two approaches that closely match the definition of race in America.
Assimilation is a process in which distinct and separate groups come together as a culture and merge socially. When this occurs, the majority dominates in such a way that the minorities become less distinct, causing conformity to the dominant group to occur (Schaefer, 2013). The alternative to relationships between majority and minority groups is pluralism. Unlike assimilation, pluralism occurs when groups maintain their individual identities and have mutual respect for one another’s culture and groups (Schaefer, 2013). While these two approaches appear to be contrary processes, they are not mutually exclusive because they often occur in various ways depending upon where individuals live in
America.
Definition of Race Race consists of utilizing categories to differentiate physical characteristics such as hair texture, skin color, and facial features. Throughout the years, scientists have made changes to the definition of race to consider origins such as language, nationality, and religion. This change occurred because scientific studies exhibited the presence of various races and cultural influences within individual’s genetic background. I agree with this definition of race because my viewpoint regarding race supports the inclusion of multiple races within genetic backgrounds.
Conclusion
Race is a social construct often based on preconceived notions regarding the differences of others. These ideas, create a social hierarchy that leaves room for dominate races to overpower less dominate races. America is multiracial; as a result, society seems to be moving toward a more inclusive worldview regarding race. As today’s society continues to work toward surpassing racial misperceptions and by examining the factors that create change, individuals will learn to accept diverse backgrounds and racial divides will cease to exist.
How Social Construction Compares to the Biological View of Race As previously stated, race is a social construction that occurs when society places individuals in categories that are based solely on their physical differences such as skin color and other physical attributes (Schaefer, 2013). This type of racial ideology has been politically supported and reinforces the belief that one race is superior or inferior to another. The Holocaust and slavery are examples of the detrimental impact this type of racial categorizing has on society. Just like social construction, the biological view of race was utilized to justify and perpetuate racial discrimination. However, unlike …show more content…
social construction, the biological view of race was based on the idea that race could be justified solely by genetic differences among individuals and groups (Schaefer, 2013). However, scientists found that ideology to be inconclusive because the use of DNA research found individuals to have numerous races within their genetic background. Due to migration, exploration, and in some cases invasions among the human population, the existence of racial exclusivity does not exist (Schaefer, 2013).
Race and Racial Categories Historically, race and racial categories have been used to organize groups of people based on their skin color and physical characteristics. Some early Americans assumed they were superior to other races which was one of the motivating factors that perpetuated the inferior treatment of other racial groups (Schaefer, 2013). Racial formation was an additional method used to place racial groups into categories. The motivation behind using this categorization was based on the belief that early Americans needed to utilize some form of racial classification to comply with the federal government’s requirement to keep track of records which would aid in the prevention of genetic diseases (Omi & Winant, 2008).
Which Approach Matches Most Closely to the Definition of Race in America Assimilation and pluralism are the two approaches that closely match the definition of race in America.
Assimilation is a process in which distinct and separate groups come together as a culture and merge socially. When this occurs, the majority dominates in such a way that the minorities become less distinct, causing conformity to the dominant group to occur (Schaefer, 2013). The alternative to relationships between majority and minority groups is pluralism. Unlike assimilation, pluralism occurs when groups maintain their individual identities and have mutual respect for one another’s culture and groups (Schaefer, 2013). While these two approaches appear to be contrary processes, they are not mutually exclusive because they often occur in various ways depending upon where individuals live in
America.
Definition of Race Race consists of utilizing categories to differentiate physical characteristics such as hair texture, skin color, and facial features. Throughout the years, scientists have made changes to the definition of race to consider origins such as language, nationality, and religion. This change occurred because scientific studies exhibited the presence of various races and cultural influences within individual’s genetic background. I agree with this definition of race because my viewpoint regarding race supports the inclusion of multiple races within genetic backgrounds.
Conclusion
Race is a social construct often based on preconceived notions regarding the differences of others. These ideas, create a social hierarchy that leaves room for dominate races to overpower less dominate races. America is multiracial; as a result, society seems to be moving toward a more inclusive worldview regarding race. As today’s society continues to work toward surpassing racial misperceptions and by examining the factors that create change, individuals will learn to accept diverse backgrounds and racial divides will cease to exist.