You might even wonder exactly what those terms mean and how they differ.
Race and ethnicity are used to categorize sections of the population.
Race refers to dividing people into groups, often based on physical characteristics.
Verywell / Alex Dos Diaz
In basic terms, race describes physical traits, and ethnicity refers to cultural identification.
Race may also be identified as something you inherit, whereas ethnicity is something you learn.
Race vs. People are able to self-identify their ethnicities and, to some extent, their races.
Race is usually associated with biology and linked with physical characteristics such as hair texture and skin color.
It covers a relatively narrow range of options.
This could apply for any member of any race.
At other times, you may be invited to check all the categories that apply.
What Is Ethnicity?
Ethnicity is a broader term than race.
The term differentiates among groups of people according to culturalexpressionand identification.
Whereas someone might say their race is Black, their ethnicity might be Italian.
Likewise, someone might say their race is “White,” and their ethnicity is Irish.
The US Census Bureau on Race vs. ## Race Data
Race data affects the funding of government programs that provideservices for specific groups.
The Bureau collects data about race also because theyre ensuring that policies serve the needs of all racial groups.
They want to monitor compliance with antidiscrimination laws and regulations, too.
“Census respondents can mark more than one race on the form to indicate theirracial mixture.
Some of the previously used terms are now considered offensive and have been removed.
The ways the questions are asked have also shifted.
Ethnicity Data
The U.S. Census Bureau asks whether youre ofHispanic, Latino, or Spanish descent.
They recognize that individuals who describe themselves as fitting into this category may be of any race.
Problems With Categorizing Race vs. For example, dark skin colors evolved because of solar exposure.
Many individuals identify with several racial and ethnic backgrounds.
They may have been raised by parents from very different groups.
And they might not want to pick which group they belong to.
Fill-in-the-blank questions are helpful in that case.
Takeaways
The difference between race and ethnicity is not always clear-cut.
This is why forms are constantly evolving, along with our understanding of both race and ethnicity.
In many cases, you may know your ethnicity through your family members and cultural identity.
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