Final answer:
Race and racism have been used by societies to define their universes of obligation in various ways. Racism is the use of race to establish a social hierarchy and system of power that privileges certain individuals or groups at the expense of others. The belief in racial superiority or inferiority has been used to morally justify racial inequality and discrimination in many societies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Race and racism have been used by societies to define their universes of obligation in various ways. Societies construct racial categories and use different criteria to assign and reassign race to individuals. Racism is the use of race to establish a social hierarchy and system of power that privileges certain individuals or groups at the expense of others. It can be perpetuated through interpersonal, institutional, and systemic practices. The belief in racial superiority or inferiority has been used to morally justify racial inequality and discrimination in many societies.