Final answer:
An 'ethnic group' represents a social group with shared ancestry, culture, and history that sets it apart from others. This broad categorization covers various identifiers such as language, tradition, and collective experiences, transcending narrower concepts like 'tribe' or 'nation'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for a named social group based on perceptions of shared ancestry, cultural traditions, and common history that culturally distinguish that group from other groups is an ethnic group. These groups may be connected by lineage, with extended family groups serving as the primary means of social integration, and leadership often resting with elders or other recognized figures. The concept of an ethnic group encapsulates various aspects such as language, religion, tradition, and shared historical experiences, which may not be uniform across all societies but serve as common identifiers within the group. In comparison to terms like tribe or nation, 'ethnic group' is a broader category that recognizes cultural heritage, shared cultural practices such as food choices, and the complex nature of modern identities, including pan-ethnic groupings that arise for various reasons including civil rights, recognition, and cultural unity.