This document discusses the concepts of race and ethnicity. It notes that race and ethnicity are often used imprecisely in everyday language. Biologically, race cannot be clearly defined due to the continuous nature of genetic traits and high intra-group variation. Ethnicity is defined by shared ancestry, language, history, religion, culture and sense of linked fate. The document also mentions stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination and racism in relation to race and ethnicity and presents the views of biological determinism and social constructivism.

1. POL 252
Fall 2014

4.  Many questions associated with these topics
 Race and Ethnicity in everyday language
 Used imprecisely
 Do they differ in any meaningful way?
 If so, how and why?

6. This view focuses on genetic “markers”
such as skin color, hair color, and bone structure.
Subpopulations of humans can
be distinguished biologically.
How can race be defined
from a biological standpoint?

7.  #1: Continuous Nature
of Genetic Traits
 #2: Intra-Group Variation
 #3: No Subgroups

10.  Main Characteristics of Ethnic Groups
 Common Kin or Ancestry
 Common Language
 Shared History
 Shared Religion and Culture
 Shared Future or Destiny
 What is “Linked Fate?”

12.  Stereotypes
 Prejudice
 Discrimination
 Racism

16. BIOLOGICAL DETERMINISM SOCIAL CONSTRUCTIVISM