Define, and distinguish between, the terms Race and Ethnicity
Consider how race and ethnicity influence political mobilization
Introduction
Race and ethnicity are not interchangeable terms. In sociology, race refers to physical differences that a particular society considers significant. For example, on the U.S. Census, individuals can identify their race as White, Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, or Other Race (for those who do not associate with any of the previous categories). Ethnicity is a broader term that describes a shared culture between people. Racial, national, tribal, religious, linguistic, and cultural origin are all factors.
Both race and ethnicity can be categorizations that raise problems. Two of the most obvious problems are:
People do not want to be categorized according to their race or ethnicity for fear of any consequences that may come from being identified in a certain way.
People feel the current labels do not capture their identities. These limited options do not seem appropriate for those needing to select an option.
Race and ethnicity can be explored as both an influence on and an effect of political outcomes. Within the U.S., the Civil Rights Movement (1954-1968) attempted to ensure equal treatment under the law for Black and African American citizens. Civil rights activists and protestors sought to end racial oppression, end segregation, and end Black voter suppression and discriminatory employment and housing practices. This movement resulted in a number of important changes within the U.S., particularly in relation to ending literacy tests (like the 1964 Louisiana State Literacy Test, which was intended to suppress Black voters), and instituting policies like Affirmative Action.
Race and ethnicity have been studied in relation to the quality of democracy, the role of public opinion, individual attitudes, public policy, the quality and scope of institutions within a regime, the evaluation of how different groups work together, as well as inequality in wealth and economic outcomes. Overall, the scope of race and ethnicity in politics is sweeping.
Researchers have studied how race and ethnicity can affect trends in political attitudes, as well as how much political parties can diverge on their perspectives on progress for racial equality. In the U.S., members of the Republican Party are far more likely to say great advances have been made in terms of racial equality in the country, while members of the Democratic Party affirm that much more needs to be done. According to the Pew Research Center, the majority of Black Americans believe most of the institutions in the U.S. are biased and need to be “completely rebuilt.”
Matters of race and ethnicity as they relate to politics continue to be significant areas of research around the world. Almost every country on the planet has unique historical contexts and political circumstances that in some way are affected by, or effect, different racial or ethnic groups.
This video provides an overview of race and ethnicity.
