How do anthropologists interpret the concept of race?

Anthropologists interpret the concept of race primarily as a social construct, meaning that it is not rooted in biological differences but is instead shaped by social, economic, and political contexts. This understanding emphasizes that racial categories are the result of historical and cultural processes rather than fixed, innate biological traits.

Racial classifications often reflect societal power dynamics and can vary significantly across different cultures and time periods. This perspective highlights how race can influence personal identity, intergroup relations, and social inequalities, underlining the idea that experiences associated with race are largely determined by society rather than by any underlying genetic characteristics.

The understanding of race as a social construct allows anthropologists to examine how ideas about race have evolved and how they impact individuals and groups in meaningful ways, helping to challenge misconceptions that view race as a static or scientifically definable characteristic.