Final answer:
Ethnicity, stemming from the root word 'ethnos', refers to a sense of nation, encompassing shared culture, traditions, and a sense of cultural belonging or 'peoplehood'. It is distinct both from race and national origin, the former being a social construct and the latter relating to geographical and political associations. Ethnocentrism and xenophobia are related concepts that describe superior cultural viewpoints and fear or hatred of other cultures, respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
The root word ethnos refers to a group of people who are identified with each other, often on the basis of shared characteristics or commonalities. Based on the provided information, the term ethnicity is based on the root word ethnos, which means b) Nation. This is articulated through various social constructions, including culture, traditions, language, and more importantly, a sense of belonging to a group that shares these common elements.
It is important to understand that ethnicity is different from race, as ethnicity is a term that encapsulates shared culture, practices, norms, values, and beliefs which can include language, religion, and traditions. Ethnicity is also distinct from national origin since national origin is associated with the geographical and political ties to a person's birthplace or residency, whereas ethnicity encompasses the cultural identity that may transcend borders.
To address a related concept, the belief that one's culture is superior to another is called ethnocentrism. On the other hand, the irrational fear or hatred of another culture is referred to as xenophobia. Understanding these terms is essential in comprehending how societies interact with and perceive one another, which has significant implications in fields such as anthropology, sociology, and international relations.