📚 Learning Guide
Ethnicity vs. Race
easy

What is the primary difference between ethnicity and race as defined in sociology?

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Choose the Best Answer

A

Ethnicity is based on shared cultural traits, while race is based on physical characteristics.

B

Ethnicity refers to a biological classification, while race refers to cultural identity.

C

Race is more fluid and can change over time, while ethnicity is fixed and unchanging.

D

Ethnicity is determined by legal definitions, whereas race is determined by social constructs.

Understanding the Answer

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Answer

In sociology, the primary difference between ethnicity and race lies in their meanings and how they are understood. Race usually refers to physical characteristics, like skin color, hair type, and facial features, which people often use to categorize others. On the other hand, ethnicity relates to cultural factors, such as nationality, language, traditions, and shared history. For example, two people might be categorized as the same race if they both have dark skin, but they could belong to different ethnic groups if one is Nigerian and the other is Jamaican, each with unique cultures and traditions. Understanding this difference helps us appreciate the richness of human diversity beyond just physical appearance.

Detailed Explanation

Ethnicity is about culture, like language and traditions. Other options are incorrect because This mixes up biology and culture; This suggests ethnicity never changes, but it can evolve with culture.

Key Concepts

Definition of race
Topic

Ethnicity vs. Race

Difficulty

easy level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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