Question

Anthropologist Clarence Gravlee's approach to the relationship between "race" and human health argues that ______________.

Answer 1

The concept of race itself is not scientifically valid, according to anthropologist Clarence Gravlee. There is more genetic variation within a given racial category than there is between racial categories, making race a weak construct in biology.

Step-by-step explanation:

Anthropologist Clarence Gravlee's approach to the relationship between 'race' and human health argues that the concept of race itself is not scientifically valid. While there are genetic markers for physical characteristics, like skin color and hair texture, only a few of the many thousands of DNA markers align with the convenient categories we use to categorize into racial groups. Gravlee's argument is supported by the fact that there is actually more genetic variation within a given racial category than there is between racial categories. Therefore, race is not a useful variable in genetic research and its continued use represents a potential source of confusion and harm.

Answer 2

Anthropologist Clarence Gravlee's approach to the relationship between "race" and human health argues that race is not a biologically meaningful category, but rather a social construct. He contends that racial health disparities are better explained by socio-economic factors, systemic racism, and environmental influences than by inherent biological differences.

Step-by-step explanation:

Gravlee challenges the traditional notion of race as a biological determinant of health, emphasizing that genetic differences among human populations are minimal. Instead, he asserts that disparities in health outcomes often attributed to race are more accurately explained by socio-economic factors. Gravlee's approach aligns with the consensus in contemporary anthropology, which recognizes race as a socially constructed concept rather than a reflection of underlying genetic distinctions.

Furthermore, Gravlee emphasizes the role of systemic racism in shaping health inequalities. He argues that historical and contemporary social structures contribute significantly to health disparities among different racial groups. For instance, access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities can vary based on racial categories, influencing overall health outcomes. Gravlee's research underscores the importance of addressing structural inequities to improve health on a population level.

Environmental factors also play a crucial role in Gravlee's analysis. He contends that the socio-economic and racial contexts in which individuals live impact their health. Factors such as exposure to pollution, availability of nutritious food, and access to green spaces can contribute to health disparities. Gravlee's approach advocates for a comprehensive understanding of health that considers the interplay of social, economic, and environmental factors, challenging the simplistic and inaccurate association of health outcomes with biological race.