Question

Thinking about our in-class discussion on race and ethnicity, where we discussed applying focal vocabularies and hegemony concepts. How do anthropologists define and understand what 'ethnicity' and 'race' are?

Answer 1

Race is understood by anthropologists as a socially constructed concept linked to physical differences, while ethnicity is tied to shared cultural elements. These concepts historically have influenced social structures and power dynamics.

Step-by-step explanation:

Anthropologists define race as a social construct that refers to superficial physical differences considered significant by society, rather than a basis in biology. Ethnicity, on the other hand, describes shared culture, language, and national ancestry that characterize different groups. The concept of race has evolved over time and is often associated with historical exploitation and marginalization, thus impacting societal structures and individual identities. Despite this, some anthropologists have been critiqued as "race avoidant" because they focus on ethnicity and ignore the implications and persistence of race and racism. Addressing both race and ethnicity involves recognizing the impositions of these categories on social and power dynamics, and understanding their influence on individual and collective experiences.