169k views
0 votes
Which of the following is the most accurate statement about race?

a-Race is a biologically meaningful way to classify human variation.
b-Race is a social construction with biological and social consequences.
c-Race is always defined only in terms of appearance.
d-Race has no biological basis but is culturally constructed the same way in all societies.
e-Race was a colonial invention and has no real-life implications.

User MrVoodoo
by
7.9k points

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

Option b is most accurate: Race is a social construction with biological and social consequences, not a scientifically valid biological category. Anthropological and sociological consensus supports the view that although race has important social implications, it is neither a biologically meaningful classification nor consistent across societies.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most accurate statement about race is option b: Race is a social construction with biological and social consequences. Biologically speaking, the concept of race is not scientifically valid as genetic markers used to define race only align with a few out of the many thousands of DNA markers. The social construction of race, however, has significant implications and has been a powerful tool for discrimination and subordination, as well as solidarity and affirmative action.

Scientific and social science organizations, including the American Association of Anthropologists, the American Sociological Association, and the American Psychological Association, have rejected the biological explanations of race, instead advocating for the understanding of race as a socially constructed phenomenon. Over time, historical descriptions of race have changed, and categorizing humans into discrete groups based on race has become much less tenable.

Race is culturally and context-specific, with racial classification systems varying widely across different societies. Racial classifications are culture and context-specific, making the concept much more of a social convention rather than a hard scientific fact. Hence, while there is little biological evidence to support racial categorizations, the social implications of race are undeniably powerful across societies.

User Sungho
by
8.5k points