Race

Definition
The term ‘race’ is a contested term.  However, it is now generally accepted that ‘race’ is a social construct which has to be understood historically. 'Race' is placed within inverted commas to indicate its contested nature.  ‘Race’ is used as a way of categorising individuals and population groups; it is not based on any biologically valid distinctions between the genetic make-up of differently identified 'races'. Racial categorisation is usually based on perceived physical differences - skin colour and so on but these do not correlate with genetic differences. Nor are there any sustainable, systematic differences of personality or intelligence between populations categorised on this basis.

Commentary
Since there is no such thing as a race in an objective sense and that it has been and often is used in a derogatory way, it is a discredited term and some (eg Miles 1982 ) have argued that it should therefore not be used. However, others (eg Tizard and Phoenix  1993) argue that it denotes the basis on which prejudice and discrimination by racists is evoked  This is important as it clarifies what needs to be challenged.  However, in addition to ‘racial’ discrimination based on the perception of physical differences there is also cultural racism (see elsewhere). Perceived ‘racial’ differences  are subjective and transient. In a globalised world where population movement is more fluid than at any other time in history and the hybdridisation of the populace is also on the increase then ‘racial’ categorisation will be more difficult to sustain. (See for example ‘post-race’).

Resources
Miles, R. (1982) Racism and Migrant Labour. London: Routledge and Kegan Paul