multiracial

Multiracial refers to individuals who have ancestry from two or more racial groups. The term can describe people whose parents come from different racial backgrounds or those with mixed heritage spanning several generations.

Terminology varies by region and context. "Multiracial" is often used as an umbrella term; "biracial" or "mixed race" can apply in some contexts. Some prefer terms based on specific combinations (for example, "Black–white," "Asian–white"). In data collection, censuses and surveys increasingly allow people to identify with multiple races.

Global migration and intermarriage have contributed to growing multiracial populations. In many countries, census and demographic data now reflect multiple-race identification, enabling more nuanced estimates of population size and diversity.

Identity can be personal and situational. Individuals may identify as multiracial, biracial, or with a single racial label that does not fully reflect ancestry. Experiences vary and can include cultural flexibility, as well as discrimination or pressure related to phenotype or perceived race.

Social and legal contexts influence recognition and visibility. Media representation, educational policies, and civil-rights frameworks affect how multiracial people are perceived and protected. Data collection practices, anti-discrimination laws, and adoption policies also shape experiences.

Research on multiracial populations examines identity formation, health outcomes, and social dynamics. While genetic ancestry testing can reveal mixed heritage, it does not determine race; race remains a socially constructed category that intersects with culture, history, and personal identity.