Final answer:
The statement about race being solely defined by physical characteristics is false. Race is a social construct that has evolved over time and does not align with concrete genetic differences. Anthropologists and geneticists argue against the biological validity of race, as genetic variation is significant within and across these groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
Race has historically been tied to varying combinations of physical characteristics, geographic regions, and ethnic backgrounds, but it is fundamentally a social construct that categorically fails to align neatly with genetic variations. The notion of race emerged prominently in the context of categorizing groups of people, particularly for the purposes of subjugation and discrimination, rather than based on concrete genetic differences. Biology and genetics research show that the level of genetic variation within so-called racial groups is as significant as the variation between different groups. This leaves the concept of race without a strong scientific foundation. Anthropologists and geneticists affirm that the genetic markers we might associate with race do not define discrete genetic groups.
Race as a concept has influenced societies profoundly, shaping social structures and perceptions, leading to the categorization and often discriminatory treatment of individuals based on physical appearance or presumed heritage. However, when examined through the lens of science, particularly biology and genetics, the boundaries of race become permeable and largely insignificant. Understanding race as a social construct is crucial in sociological contexts.