Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsRace vs. EthnicityThe US Census BureauProblems With CategorizationFrequently Asked Questions
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Race vs. Ethnicity
The US Census Bureau
Problems With Categorization
Frequently Asked Questions
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Race and ethnicity are used to categorize sections of the population. Race refers to dividing people into groups, often based on physical characteristics. Ethnicity refers to the cultural expression and identification of people of different geographic regions, including their customs, history, language, and religion.
In basic terms, race describes physical traits, and ethnicity refers to cultural identification. Race may also be identified as something you inherit, whereas ethnicity is something you learn.
This article details the differences between race and ethnicity, how the terms overlap, and how various groups are categorized according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Raceis biological, describing physical traits inherited from your parents.Ethnicityis your cultural identity, chosen or learned from your culture and family.
Race and ethnicity are typically misunderstood, because many people simply don’t fit into neat categories offered on forms with checkboxes. People are able to self-identify their ethnicities and, to some extent, their races.
RaceNarrowBased on similar physical and biological attributesEthnicityBroadBased on cultural expression and place of origin
RaceNarrowBased on similar physical and biological attributes
Narrow
Based on similar physical and biological attributes
EthnicityBroadBased on cultural expression and place of origin
Broad
Based on cultural expression and place of origin
What Is Race?
Merriam-Webster defines race as “a category of humankind that shares certain distinctive physical traits.”
Race is usually associated with biology and linked with physical characteristics such as hair texture and skin color. It covers a relatively narrow range of options. Yet people of similar complexions/hair texturescan be defined as different races, and the definitions in the U.S. have changed over time.
Although some may be considered to be of a certain race (e.g., Black), a person may identify more with an individual ethnicity, as opposed to race. This could apply for any member of any race.
When completing paperwork that asks for race, you may be asked to identify yourself as belonging to one or more of the following categories:
Sometimes, you may be asked to select just one category. At other times, you may be invited to check all the categories that apply.
What Is Ethnicity?
Ethnicity is a broader term than race. The term differentiates among groups of people according to culturalexpressionand identification.
Commonalities such as race, national origin, tribal heritage, religion, language, and culture can describe someone’s ethnicity.
Whereas someone might say their race is “Black,” their ethnicity might be Italian. Likewise, someone might say their race is “White,” and their ethnicity is Irish.
The US Census Bureau on Race vs. Ethnicity
You might wonder why you’re asked about race and ethnicity when you complete the census, medical forms, and job applications.
Race Data
Race data affects the funding of government programs that provideservices for specific groups.
The Bureau collects data about race also because they’re ensuring that policies serve the needs of all racial groups. They want to monitor compliance with antidiscrimination laws and regulations, too.
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The data on race is based on self-identification and is not “an attempt to define race biologically, anthropologically, or genetically.”Census respondents can mark more than one race on the form to indicate theirracial mixture.
The U.S. Census Bureau asks about race and ethnicity to collect information about populations, specifically those who tend to be underserved. This data is used to:Ensure fairness in the distribution of aidEnforce compliance with antidiscrimination lawsDevelop new programs and funding to address the needs of various groupsGauge the effectiveness of existing initiativesAddress race and ethnicity issues in obtaining access to healthcare and assistance
The U.S. Census Bureau asks about race and ethnicity to collect information about populations, specifically those who tend to be underserved. This data is used to:
The categories listed under “Race” have evolved over the last 200-plus years. Some of the previously used terms are now considered offensive and have been removed. The ways the questions are asked have also shifted. At one point, people were asked for their “race” and “origin,” but this proved too confusing.
Currently, the U.S. Census Bureau uses the following guide to help people pick the category that best describes them:
White
“The category ‘White’ includes all individuals who identify with one or more nationalities or ethnic groups originating in Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa.”
Some examples of these groups include: German, Italian, Lebanese, Cajun, Chaldean, Slavic, Iranian, French, Polish, Egyptian, Irish, and English.
Black or African American
“The category ‘Black or African American’ includes all individuals who identify with one or more nationalities or ethnic groups originating in any of the Black racial groups of Africa.”
Example of people from these groups include: African American, Jamaican, Haitian, Nigerian, Ethiopian, and Somali.
People who identify as Ghanaian, South African, Barbadian, Kenyan, Liberian, and Bahamian also fall under this category.
American Indian or Alaska Native
“The category ‘American Indian or Alaska Native’ includes all individuals who identify with any of the original peoples of North and South America (including Central America) and who maintaintribal affiliationor community attachment.”
Groups that fall under this category include:
Asian
“The category ‘Asian’ includes all individuals who identify with one or more nationalities or ethnic groups originating in the Far East,Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent.”
There are individual Asian checkboxes for people who identify as one or more of the following:
Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander
“The category ‘Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander’ includes all individuals who identify with one or more nationalities or ethnic groups originating in Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands.”
There are individual Pacific Islander checkboxes for people who identify as one or more of the following:
Some Other Race
If you do not identify with any of the above groups, you can choose “Some Other Race” and input how you identify yourself.
Ethnicity Data
The U.S. Census Bureau asks whether you’re ofHispanic, Latino, or Spanish descent. They recognize that individuals who describe themselves as fitting into this category may be of any race.
The Hispanic,Latino, or Spanish categories refer to people who identify with any of the ethnic groups originating from:
If you do not identify with any of these groups, you would select the option “Not of Hispanic, Spanish, or Latino origin.”
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Problems With Categorizing Race vs. Ethnicity
Some scholars argue that race is cultural and reflects specific attitudes and beliefs imposed on populations in the wake of the Western European conquests of the 15th century.
Historically, the idea of race has been used todivide members of society, and it’s often based on superficial physical attributes.
Research shows that people who have similar physical attributes aren’t as similar genetically as some people think.Researchers have found that skin color variations stem from adaptations to the environment.
For example, dark skin colors evolved because of solar exposure. Grouping people according to their skin color shows only that their ancestors got similar amounts of sunlight—and they may actually have very little in common genetically.
People Don’t Always Fit Into Categories
Although organizations might want to collect statistics on race and ethnicity, people don’t always fit into simple categories.
Instead, they can identify as belonging to many groups, or they could feel as though they make up a smaller group that is not an option on a form. Fill-in-the-blank questions are helpful in that case.
We Are More Alike Than We Are Different
According to the human genome project, our DNA is 99.9% the same, and less than 1% of DNA accounts for the differences among people.In other words, we should celebrate and appreciate the differences of one another while keeping in mind we are all part of the same human family.
A Word From Verywell
The difference between race and ethnicity is not always clear-cut. This is why forms are constantly evolving, along with our understanding of both race and ethnicity.
The terms we use, the categories we offer, and our beliefs about genetic makeup will continue to change over time. But for now, government forms are likely to continue asking questions about both race and ethnicity—even though not everyone will agree with the questions or the answer options.
Frequently Asked QuestionsEthnicity is based on shared identity based on culture, language, common ancestry, and religion. Some examples of ethnicity include Middle Eastern, Hispanic, Irish, Native American, Jewish, and Pacific Islander.In many cases, you may know your ethnicity through your family members and cultural identity. If you are unsure, autosomal DNA testing is available that can help you to learn more about your ethnic background.Autosomal DNA testing looks at combined ancestry from both parents that can identify population groups with which you share portions of your autosomal DNA.However, it is important to recognize that while such testing can provide some information, the test results are estimates and cannot determine ethnicity or race with 100% accuracy.The main racial groups that are often listed in ethnic and racial data include White/Caucasian, Hispanic/Latino, Black, Asian, Native American and Pacific Islander, and Middle Eastern/North African. Another for “Some Other Ethnicity” is often included for people who do to identify with the other major ethnic groups.The U.S. Census Bureau includes two categories for ethnicity: Hispanic/Latino/Spanish descent and Non-Hispanic/Latino/Spanish descent.
Ethnicity is based on shared identity based on culture, language, common ancestry, and religion. Some examples of ethnicity include Middle Eastern, Hispanic, Irish, Native American, Jewish, and Pacific Islander.
In many cases, you may know your ethnicity through your family members and cultural identity. If you are unsure, autosomal DNA testing is available that can help you to learn more about your ethnic background.Autosomal DNA testing looks at combined ancestry from both parents that can identify population groups with which you share portions of your autosomal DNA.However, it is important to recognize that while such testing can provide some information, the test results are estimates and cannot determine ethnicity or race with 100% accuracy.
In many cases, you may know your ethnicity through your family members and cultural identity. If you are unsure, autosomal DNA testing is available that can help you to learn more about your ethnic background.Autosomal DNA testing looks at combined ancestry from both parents that can identify population groups with which you share portions of your autosomal DNA.
However, it is important to recognize that while such testing can provide some information, the test results are estimates and cannot determine ethnicity or race with 100% accuracy.
The main racial groups that are often listed in ethnic and racial data include White/Caucasian, Hispanic/Latino, Black, Asian, Native American and Pacific Islander, and Middle Eastern/North African. Another for “Some Other Ethnicity” is often included for people who do to identify with the other major ethnic groups.The U.S. Census Bureau includes two categories for ethnicity: Hispanic/Latino/Spanish descent and Non-Hispanic/Latino/Spanish descent.
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10 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Merriam-Webster.Race.United States Census Bureau.Why We Ask About…Race.United States Census 2020.2020 Census Questions: Race.United States Census Bureau.Why We Ask About…Ethnicity.United States Census 2020.2020 Census Questions: Hispanic Origin.Wade P.Race. Encyclopædia Britannica.Jablonski NG, Chaplin G.Human skin pigmentation as an adaptation to UV radiation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2010;107(Supplement_2):8962-8968. doi:10.1073/pnas.0914628107National Human Genome Research Institute.Genetics vs. Genomics Fact Sheet.Jorde LB, Bamshad MJ.Genetic ancestry testing: What is it and why is it important?JAMA. 2020;323(11):1089-1090. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.0517U.S. Census Bureau.Measuring racial and ethnic diversity for the 2020 census.
10 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Merriam-Webster.Race.United States Census Bureau.Why We Ask About…Race.United States Census 2020.2020 Census Questions: Race.United States Census Bureau.Why We Ask About…Ethnicity.United States Census 2020.2020 Census Questions: Hispanic Origin.Wade P.Race. Encyclopædia Britannica.Jablonski NG, Chaplin G.Human skin pigmentation as an adaptation to UV radiation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2010;107(Supplement_2):8962-8968. doi:10.1073/pnas.0914628107National Human Genome Research Institute.Genetics vs. Genomics Fact Sheet.Jorde LB, Bamshad MJ.Genetic ancestry testing: What is it and why is it important?JAMA. 2020;323(11):1089-1090. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.0517U.S. Census Bureau.Measuring racial and ethnic diversity for the 2020 census.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Merriam-Webster.Race.United States Census Bureau.Why We Ask About…Race.United States Census 2020.2020 Census Questions: Race.United States Census Bureau.Why We Ask About…Ethnicity.United States Census 2020.2020 Census Questions: Hispanic Origin.Wade P.Race. Encyclopædia Britannica.Jablonski NG, Chaplin G.Human skin pigmentation as an adaptation to UV radiation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2010;107(Supplement_2):8962-8968. doi:10.1073/pnas.0914628107National Human Genome Research Institute.Genetics vs. Genomics Fact Sheet.Jorde LB, Bamshad MJ.Genetic ancestry testing: What is it and why is it important?JAMA. 2020;323(11):1089-1090. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.0517U.S. Census Bureau.Measuring racial and ethnic diversity for the 2020 census.
Merriam-Webster.Race.
United States Census Bureau.Why We Ask About…Race.
United States Census 2020.2020 Census Questions: Race.
United States Census Bureau.Why We Ask About…Ethnicity.
United States Census 2020.2020 Census Questions: Hispanic Origin.
Wade P.Race. Encyclopædia Britannica.
Jablonski NG, Chaplin G.Human skin pigmentation as an adaptation to UV radiation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2010;107(Supplement_2):8962-8968. doi:10.1073/pnas.0914628107
National Human Genome Research Institute.Genetics vs. Genomics Fact Sheet.
Jorde LB, Bamshad MJ.Genetic ancestry testing: What is it and why is it important?JAMA. 2020;323(11):1089-1090. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.0517
U.S. Census Bureau.Measuring racial and ethnic diversity for the 2020 census.
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