Slavery: The institution of slavery in the United States was a key factor in the construction of race, as it was used to justify the subjugation of African Americans on the basis of their supposed racial inferiority.
Immigration policies: Immigration policies in the United States have played a role in constructing race, as they have been used to control the racial and ethnic makeup of the country. For example, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 prohibited Chinese immigration to the United States and was based on the belief that Chinese immigrants were racially inferior.
Housing segregation: The practice of housing segregation in the United States has played a role in constructing race by creating separate neighborhoods for different racial groups. This practice has contributed to the idea of racial differences and the perpetuation of stereotypes.
Science: Scientific theories about race have contributed to the construction of race in the United States. For example, the idea of racial hierarchies and the belief in the biological superiority of some races over others has been used to justify racial discrimination and inequality.
Religion: Religious beliefs have also played a role in constructing race, as religious ideas about race have been used to justify discrimination and inequality. For example, the idea of the "curse of Ham" was used to justify the enslavement of Africans and the belief that they were inferior to other races.
Politics: Political ideologies have contributed to the construction of race in the United States, as political leaders have used race to mobilize support and justify policies that discriminate against certain racial groups.