Ethnicity is a complex social construct that shapes personal
identity and group interactions. In contemporary American politics,
ethnicity is often interpreted as strictly biological, but empirical
evidence suggests otherwise. The number of individuals identifying as Native
Americans and Alaska Natives alone is estimated to be 2.6 million, but when
combined with individuals identifying with one or more other groups, this
number increases to 5.6 million. Some individuals who do not have biological
ties to these ethnicities still associate themselves with their culture and
way of life, perceiving themselves as Natives or Alaskans. This demonstrates
how ethnicity acts as a social construct, where personal identity and group
interactions play a more significant role than biological factors.
Ethnicity is similar to race and gender in the way cultural preconceptions
and social expectations shape how people view others. Gender presents a set
of expectations based on whether an individual is male or female, while race
is rooted in biological differences but is still a social construct based on
societal cues. Race tends to be more visible, as differences between people
are often easy to spot. Ethnicity, on the other hand, is predominantly a
geographical and cultural phenomenon.
Throughout history, people have been treated differently based on their
ethnicity, gender, and race. White Europeans have dominated many regions of
the world, placing other ethnicities and races in a position of
subservience, resulting in social constructs geared towards denigration and
submission. Similarly, women have historically been viewed as housekeepers
and mothers, with submissiveness, faithfulness, and beauty being prized
qualities, while initiative, drive, and ambition were seen as unwomanly.
Stereotypes are also associated with certain races, ethnicities, and
genders, which have been socially constructed and enforced, even if they
have no relation to reality. For example, women being viewed as weak and
incapable, certain ethnicities being deemed “un-American,” or blacks being
perceived as violent and prone to crime.
In conclusion, ethnicity is a social construct that informs social
identities and interactions. While it remains an essential part of people’s
self-perception, an overreliance on ethnicity as a defining factor of one’s
identity has been used throughout history to suppress and label individuals.
Understanding ethnicity as a social construct helps to create awareness of
the ways in which individuals are categorized and how this categorization
can shape interactions and perceptions. It is important to recognize that
ethnicity is not just a biological attribute but is instead a complex social
phenomenon. |