The terms 'ethnicity' and 'race' can be used interchangeably in sociological discussions without loss of meaning.

Ethnicity and race are often confused, but they have different meanings in sociology. Race usually refers to physical characteristics, like skin color or facial features, that people share because of their ancestry. In contrast, ethnicity relates to cultural factors such as nationality, language, and traditions. For example, a person might be racially classified as Black but identify ethnically as Jamaican, which includes unique cultural practices and history. Understanding these differences is important because it helps us appreciate the rich diversity in our communities and avoid oversimplifying people's identities.