ethnicity

Ethnicity refers to a socially defined category of people who identify with each other based on shared traits such as ancestry, culture, language, religion, and historical experience. Unlike race, which is often treated as a biological category, ethnicity is a socially constructed concept that emphasizes cultural affiliation and self-identification. Ethnic identities may be transmitted through families and communities, and they can be reinforced by shared customs, rituals, cuisine, literature, music, and dress. Membership can be explicit or ascribed, and individuals may identify with more than one ethnicity or shift identities over time and in different contexts.

Ethnicity intersects with nationality and citizenship but does not determine legal status by itself. In many countries, census and official statistics collect ethnicity data to study representation, demographics, and social inequality. Ethnicity can influence social networks, language use, education, and access to resources. Ethnic groups are dynamic; ethnogenesis, migration, intermarriage, and cultural exchange can create new forms of ethnic identity and hybrid cultures. In politics, ethnicity can become a basis for rights claims, regional autonomy, or conflicts, leading to policies that promote recognition or counter discrimination. Debates about ethnicity often intersect with issues of race, culture, religion, and language, and scholars emphasize the importance of respecting self-identification while acknowledging social realities of discrimination and marginalization.