University:
Manchester University
Course:
SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology
Academic year:

2025
Views:

412

Pages:

1
Author:

SparkyPet

Understanding Race as a Social and Historical Construction The statement "Race is a social and historical construction with no biological basis" can be analyzed as follows: Social Construction of Race: Race is often understood as a social construct, meaning that societal norms, beliefs, and historical contexts shape our understanding of race. This concept emphasizes that the categories of race are not rooted in any biological or genetic differences but rather in social perception and societal roles. Historical Context: Throughout history, different societies have constructed various racial categories to classify and dictate the treatment of individuals based on skin color, ethnicity, or ancestry. These classifications can change over time, reflecting the evolving nature of societal values and norms. Lack of Biological Basis: Geneticists and anthropologists widely agree that the genetic variation within so-called racial groups is often greater than the variation between these groups. This finding supports the claim that race lacks a biological foundation since it does not correlate with significant differences in genetics or physiology. Conclusion Based on the analysis above, the answer to the statement is: True. Further Exploration American Anthropological Association: Race NAACP: History of Civil Rights and Race Nicolas A. Christakis et al. (2017) - Race is a Social Construct