ANTH 227

docx

School

McGill University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

227

Subject

Anthropology

Date

Jan 9, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by BrigadierTapirPerson80

Race and ethnicity frequently arise in identity, diversity, and social dynamics conversations. Although they are commonly used interchangeably, they represent different facets of a person's or a group's past. This article explores the nuanced differences between race and ethnicity to illuminate the subject and explain the sometimes-muddled ideas. The article, written by seasoned scientific journalist Emma Bryce, seeks to provide readers with a thorough knowledge of the differences between race and ethnicity. By analyzing their meanings, historical settings, and cultural implications, we can learn critical insights into how these phrases affect our views and experiences in today's mixed cultures. Throughout history, people have been divided into racial groupings according to physical traits, including skin colour, hair texture, and facial features, which has considerably impacted the social construction of race. However, it has become clear through time that the idea of race is arbitrary and erroneous. Human genetic diversity does not neatly fit conventional racial categorizations, making it a social construct without a sound scientific foundation. On the other hand, ethnicity is a more inclusive notion that considers people's standard cultural norms, customs, languages, and heritage. Ethnicity is frequently linked to a particular geographic area or ancestry. It includes various things, including clothes, customs, food, language, and religion. People can retain cultural traditions, feel belonging in their communities, and connect with their ancestors through ethnicity.

In this paper, I have identified two concepts- the social construction of race and cultural competency. Medical anthropology frequently looks at the social construction of race and ethnicity rather than how it is determined physically. By highlighting the impact of social, cultural, and historical variables in forming these identities, this idea contradicts the idea that racial and ethnic categories are inherent and unchanging. The importance of cultural competency in healthcare practice is emphasized by medical anthropology. In order to offer treatment that is both culturally appropriate and equitable, this idea urges healthcare workers to comprehend and respect the various cultural beliefs, values and practices of various racial and ethnic groups. Clarence C. Gravlee's "How Race Becomes Biology" and Emma Bryce's "What is the difference between race and ethnicity?" cast doubt on race's biological foundation, demonstrating how this idea has been socially constructed. According to Gravlee, race results from social and historical events rather than a biological reality. He claims that using the concept of race to represent humans' biological diversity is neither scientifically valid nor effective. Gravlee states that it is a social construct with significant societal ramifications. This is consistent with Bryce's paper, which emphasizes that race is an arbitrary and erroneous construct without a solid scientific foundation. She claims, "Throughout history, the social creation of race has been crucial... It is a social construct with no firm scientific underpinnings”, according to Bryce (2023).

Both papers strongly emphasize the necessity of opposing essentialist views of race and highlighting the complexity of human variety. Gravlee contends that the idea that race is biologically determined has contributed to disparities in health and healthcare: "The mistaken belief that race is a biologically meaningful concept has serious consequences for the health of individuals and populations" (Gravlee, 2009, 16). Similarly, Bryce's post highlights the significance of working toward a more inclusive society honouring individuals from different backgrounds while recognizing our shared humanity. She said, "By acknowledging and embracing the distinctions between race and ethnicity, we can move towards a more inclusive and equitable society" (Bryce, 2023). These articles critically evaluate how race has been historically formed and how it continues to influence numerous facets of society, including healthcare, by disputing the biological foundation of race. This viewpoint encourages a more inclusive understanding of human variety by highlighting the significance of addressing social determinants of health and acknowledging the impact of cultural, historical, and socioeconomic variables on health outcomes. The significance of ethnicity is acknowledged in Gravlee's article, which claims that "ethnicity captures shared cultural practises and experiences, including language, religion, cuisine, and clothing" (Gravlee, 2009). This demonstrates how ethnicity is more inclusive and inclusive than race. According to Gravlee, acknowledging and recognizing ethnic variety enables a more nuanced comprehension of people's variations and experiences.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

Similar to this, Bryce's article ("What is the difference between race and ethnicity?") emphasizes the significance of ethnicity, claiming that it is "a broader and more fluid concept that encompasses shared cultural practices, traditions, language, and heritage." She emphasizes that ethnicity enables people to retain cultural traditions, feel belonging within their communities, and connect with their ancestry. Bryce urges readers to value and celebrate cultural variety by recognizing the significance of ethnicity. In the article, Bryce also talks about how race and ethnicity comprise extensive cultural legacies, customs, and practises unique to particular people. The article subtly emphasizes the value of cultural competency in healthcare settings by focusing on the contrasts between race and ethnicity. Providing adequate and respectful care requires understanding the intricacies and distinctive cultural characteristics of many racial and ethnic groups. The importance of cultural competency in healthcare practice is discussed in the article by acknowledging that people from different racial and ethnic origins have distinctive health beliefs, behaviours, and preferences. To foster successful communication and patient-centred care, Bryce emphasizes the need for healthcare personnel to be cognizant of and sensitive to these disparities. Additionally, the article discusses how cultural competency can assist close gaps and lessen healthcare inequalities. Healthcare professionals can build trust, foster better patient-provider relationships, and ensure that healthcare services are customized to meet the unique cultural

and linguistic needs of people from various racial and ethnic backgrounds by incorporating cultural competence into their practice. To summarize, The distinctions between race and ethnicity are examined in the essay "What is the difference between race and ethnicity?" by Emma Bryce. It emphasizes that although the phrases are frequently used synonymously, they really relate to several facets of an individual's personality. While ethnicity is related to common cultural traditions, language, and ancestry, race is largely focused on physical features and is grounded in the idea of biological distinctions. The essay emphasizes that while cultural variables influence ethnicity, race is a social construct with no biological foundation. Promoting inclusion and preventing racial or ethnic prejudice requires understanding these disparities. Bibliography Gravlee, Clarence C. “How Race Becomes Biology: Embodiment of Social Inequality.” American Journal of Physical Anthropology , vol. 139, no. 1, Wiley, Feb. 2009, pp. 47–57. Crossref , https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.20983. Pappas, Stephanie, and @LiveScience. “What’s the Difference Between Race and Ethnicity?” livescience.com , 3 Nov. 2022, www.livescience.com/difference-between-race-ethnicity.html. Lecture Slide 5 . mycourses2.mcgill.ca/d2l/le/content/648457/viewContent/7042514/View. Accessed 28 May 2023.

Lecture 7 . mycourses2.mcgill.ca/d2l/le/content/648457/viewContent/7050888/View\. Accessed 28 May 2023.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

ANTH 227

Related Documents