Race Vs Ethnicity

Race Vs Ethnicity

Read the section titled “The Social Meaning of Race and Ethnicity” on pages of the textbook. The meaning of race and ethnicity is far clearer than most people think. In 150 words or more, answer the following questions explaining how you saw yourself in terms of race and ethnicity before and after taking this course: How do you describe yourself? Who are you, or, what are you? Do you identify yourself by your race, your ethnicity, other factors, or neither? Use in-text citations and list any references at the end of your post. For example, if you cite the textbook, include the following reference: Macionis, J. J. (2015). Society: The basics (13th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall. Retrieved from: (Links to an external site.) The word count of 150 words does not include citations.

Paper For Above instruction

Before taking this course, I understood my race and ethnicity primarily through the social categories that society traditionally assigns. I identified as a member of a particular racial group and saw my ethnicity as connected to my cultural practices and ancestral origins. I believed that my race determined certain life experiences and social interactions, while my ethnicity reflected my cultural identity and heritage. However, after engaging with the course material and reflecting on social constructs, my perspective has evolved. I now recognize that race is a social construct with no biological basis, and that its social meaning influences societal treatment and opportunities (Macionis, 2015). Ethnicity, while also socially constructed, encompasses shared cultural traits that can be more flexible. I now see myself less as defined strictly by race and ethnicity and more as someone shaped by complex social realities and cultural influences. This understanding fosters a more nuanced view of identity beyond superficial categories.

References

• Macionis, J. J. (2015). Society: The basics (13th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall.