
Social construction of race
The social construction of race refers to the idea that racial categories are created and defined by societies rather than based on strict biological differences. While people may have different physical traits, such as skin color, these traits do not determine inherent abilities or behaviors. Instead, societies assign meanings, roles, and stereotypes to these differences, shaping people's experiences and identities. This means that race is more about social perceptions and cultural contexts than about any objective, scientific basis. Understanding this helps us recognize how racism and inequality are rooted in societal beliefs rather than in nature.