Final answer:
Most genetic variation exists within races, not between them, demonstrating that race is a social construction, not a biological reality. Race persists as a cultural idea with significant social implications, shaping inequality and discrimination in society.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Race: The Power of an Illusion, most variation is within races, not between races. This assertion underscores the idea that race is not biologically identifiable and that the concept of race is a social construction rather than a scientific fact. The significant genetic overlap within the so-called races suggests that the social practice of categorizing races fails to correspond with actual genetic differences. Therefore, while race does not exist biologically and cannot be divided into distinct genetic groups, it persists as a social and cultural construct with real and often detrimental implications for society.
Anthropologists, biologists, and geneticists agree that while physical characteristics like skin color may have genetic markers, these do not align with traditional racial categories. Moreover, sociocultural constructs of race and gender, though not biologically grounded, are deeply embedded within society and influence social practices and institutions, often perpetuating inequalities. Understanding race as a social construction is essential to engage in factual and knowledgeable communication that could challenge and potentially dismantle systemic racism.