ethnicities

Ethnicity refers to a social group identity based on shared culture, language, religion, ancestry, histories, and other cultural markers. It is distinct from race in that it emphasizes cultural traits rather than perceived biological differences, though the two concepts can intersect. Ethnicity is often self-ascribed but can also be assigned by others, and it can change over time in response to personal choices and social conditions.

Ethnic groups maintain cohesion through communal practices, rituals, music, cuisine, dress, and inherited narratives, as well as shared family histories and languages. Ethnicity is not fixed or uniform; subgroups may emerge and individuals may identify with multiple ethnic traditions. Diaspora and migration frequently reshape identities by blending cultures and creating new hybrid forms.

In modern states, ethnicity is a basis for demographic data, political representation, and policy debates, as well as a source of pride and cultural preservation. Many countries collect ethnic or linguistic data in censuses; definitions vary by legal and historical context. Ethnicity can also be linked to discrimination, collective rights, or affirmative action, and ethnic tensions may arise from competition over resources or political power.

Scholars emphasize that ethnicity is a social construct rather than a fixed essence. It is dynamic, overlapping with race, nationality, religion, and language. Researchers study its formation, expression, and impact on personal identity and social organization, while acknowledging the diversity of experiences within any given group.