Social Construct of Race

The social construct of race refers to the idea that different races are defined not by biological differences but by societal beliefs and practices. While people may have different physical characteristics, such as skin color or features, these differences do not correspond to distinct, scientifically valid racial categories. Instead, race is shaped by cultural, historical, and political contexts, influencing how individuals and groups are perceived and treated. This means that concepts of race can vary widely across societies and change over time, highlighting the importance of understanding race as a social rather than a biological reality.