Difference Between Race and Ethnicity

Published on 06-May-2023

Feature	Race	Ethnicity
Definition	Race refers to a person's physical characteristics, such as skin color, hair texture, and facial features.	Ethnicity refers to a person's cultural background, including factors such as language, religion, and customs.
Biological Basis	Race is sometimes thought to have a biological basis, based on genetic differences between populations. However, the concept of race is largely a social construct.	Ethnicity is a cultural construct, and does not have a biological basis.
Social Construction	Race is largely a social construct, and can vary across different societies and historical periods.	Ethnicity is also a social construct, but tends to be more stable and enduring than race.
Identification	Race is often externally assigned based on physical characteristics, and can be a source of discrimination and prejudice.	Ethnicity is often self-identified based on cultural background, and can be a source of pride and identity.
Classification	Race is typically classified into a small number of categories, such as white, black, Asian, or indigenous.	Ethnicity can be classified into a large number of categories, based on factors such as country of origin, language, and religion.
Diversity	Race tends to be more homogeneous within groups, and more distinct from other groups.	Ethnicity tends to be more diverse within groups, and more fluid and overlapping with other groups.
History	The concept of race has a long and complex history, including the development of racial hierarchies and discrimination.	The concept of ethnicity also has a long history, but has not been as closely associated with discrimination and prejudice as race.
Politics	Race has often been used as a basis for political power and exclusion, such as in apartheid South Africa or the Jim Crow laws in the US.	Ethnicity can also be a basis for political identity and mobilization, but has generally been less closely tied to political exclusion.
Health Disparities	Race has been associated with health disparities, such as differences in access to healthcare and higher rates of certain diseases among racial minority groups.	Ethnicity can also be associated with health disparities, but is often less closely tied to health outcomes than race.
Legal Definitions	Race has been used in legal contexts, such as in affirmative action policies and anti-discrimination laws.	Ethnicity is not typically used in legal contexts, although it can be relevant in some cases, such as in cases of hate crimes.
Education	Race has been associated with differences in educational opportunities and outcomes, such as lower graduation rates and higher rates of disciplinary action among racial minority groups.	Ethnicity can also be associated with differences in educational opportunities and outcomes, but tends to be less closely tied to these factors than race.
Stereotypes	Race is often associated with stereotypes and assumptions about behavior, intelligence, and other characteristics.	Ethnicity can also be associated with stereotypes, but tends to be more closely tied to cultural practices and traditions.
Intermarriage	Race can be a barrier to intermarriage and social integration, due to social and cultural differences between racial groups.	Ethnicity can also be a barrier to intermarriage and social integration, but tends to be more fluid and adaptable than race.
Religion	Race is not typically associated with religion, although there can be some overlap in some cases, such as in the Jewish or Muslim communities.	Ethnicity is often associated with religion, and can be a strong factor in religious identity and practice.
Language	Race is not typically associated with language, although there can be some correlation in some cases, such as in the Hispanic/Latino community.	Ethnicity is often closely tied to