In anthropological terms, what is race primarily understood as?

Race, in anthropological terms, is primarily understood as a concept shaped by cultural narratives. This perspective highlights how societal norms, historical contexts, and cultural beliefs influence the understanding and categorization of race.

Anthropologists emphasize that race is not primarily rooted in biological differences, as there is more genetic variation within so-called racial groups than between them. Instead, race serves as a social construct, shaped by the way groups of people communicate, interact, and assign meaning based on physical characteristics and cultural histories.

Understanding race in this way also acknowledges that the significance and implications of racial categories can differ greatly across cultures and time periods, reinforcing how these classifications are not rigid or universally applicable but instead fluid and influenced by social dynamics.

The other concepts, such as biological traits, geographic origins, and clear divisions among human populations, do not fully capture the complex social realities and historically constructed narratives surrounding the idea of race.