Difference between Race and Ethnicity
Race is a sociological designation that identifies a group sharing some outward physical characteristics & some similarities within culture & history. On the other hand, Ethnicity tends to give us an idea about our nationality, heritage, culture, ancestry & upbringing. The difference between Race and Ethnicity are shown below:
|
Characteristics |
Ethnicity |
Race |
|---|---|---|
|
Definition |
Ethnicity refers to the cultural expression & identification of people of different geographic regions, including their customs, history, language & religion. |
Race refers to a group of people who are connected by a common descent or origin. |
|
Significance |
It means shared cultural traits & a shared group history. Also there are some ethnic groups which share linguistic or religious traits, & some others share a common group history but not a common language or religion. |
Race presumes shared biological or genetic traits. |
|
Genealogy |
Ethnicity is defined in terms of shared genealogy. If people believe they descend from a particular group & they want to be associated with that group, then they are in fact members of that group. |
Due to geographical isolation, racial categories result from a shared genealogy. However, today the racial groups have mixed. |
|
Distinguishing Factors |
Ethnic groups distinguish themselves differently from time to time. They seek to define themselves but are defined by the stereotypes of dominant groups. |
Its assumed that races are distinguished by skin color, facial type, etc. Scientific studies show that racial genetic differences are weak except in skin color. |
|
Nationalism |
In 19th century, political ideology of ethnic nationalism came up. Nations were created based on a presumed shared ethnic origins (e.g. Germany, Italy, Sweden…) |
The concept of nationalism was often used to justify the domination of one race over another within a specific nation, in 19th century. |
|
Legal System |
In the last decades of the 20th century, in the U.S. & in most nations, the legal system & official ideology prohibits ethnic-based discrimination. |
In the last decades of the 20th century, the legal system & the official ideology puts emphasis on racial equality. |
|
Conflicts |
Throughout history, brutal conflicts between ethnic groups have occurred. But its also seen how in most nations, most ethnic groups do get along peacefully with one another. |
Racial prejudice continues to be an issue. In the 21st century, fewer race-based conflicts happen. |
|
Examples of conflict |
Conflict between Tamil & Sinhalese populations in Sri Lanka. |
Conflict between White & African-American people in the U.S., especially during the civil rights movement. |
Race vs Ethnicity
Race vs Ethnicity: Race and Ethnicity terms are used to categorize the sections of the population. When we divide people into groups of difference between Race and Ethnicity, based on their physical characteristics, it is referred to as race. Ethnicity refers to the Cultural Differences & identification of people of different geographic regions, including their customs, history, language & religion. So basically, race describes physical traits while ethnicity refers to cultural identification.
Difference Between Race and Ethnicity
Table of Content
- Difference Between Race and Ethnicity
- Comprehensive Comparison Between Race vs Ethnicity
- What is Race?
- What is Ethnicity?
- Importance of Race and Ethnicity
- Challenges Surrounding Race and Ethnicity
- Real-Life Examples and Updated Statistics