How is race defined in multiculturalism and human relations?

In the context of multiculturalism and human relations, race is defined primarily as groups of people who share common ancestry and physical characteristics. This definition recognizes that race encompasses not only physical traits such as skin color, hair type, and facial features but also the historical and cultural backgrounds that tie individuals within those groups together.

Understanding race in this way is crucial to studying multiculturalism because it underscores the social constructs and identities that influence people's experiences and interactions in a diverse society. This definition facilitates discussions around issues of privilege, systemic inequality, and the importance of celebrating and respecting differences among various racial and ethnic groups.

The other definitions do not encapsulate the commonly accepted understanding of race within this framework. While shared cultural practices may be related to ethnicity, it does not define race itself. Being determined predominantly by socioeconomic status shifts the focus away from inherent physical and ancestral characteristics central to the concept of race. Lastly, claiming that the concept of race does not exist in society overlooks the profound impact that racial identities have on social dynamics and individual experiences, thus failing to acknowledge a significant aspect of human relations.