Describe the difference between race and ethnicity. Then discuss how racial categories have evolved over the last few centuries (Why are people from India categorized as Asian and why are North Africans and Arabs categorized as White?).

Race and ethnicity can be used interchangeably but they actually have different definitions. The term race is used to describe a social construct that is determined by physical characteristics such as the color of skin or features on the face, while ethnicity describes a cultural identity based upon shared language or heritage. The distinction between race and ethnicity is significant because it shows the important role culture can play when determining who people are.

As society evolved, so did racial classifications. Due to India’s geographical location, and its long-standing cultural links with countries of the same region, Indians are often categorized under Asian categories. Similarly, North Africans and Arabs have been increasingly classified under the “White” category due to their lighter skin tone compared to other groups which may share similar cultural backgrounds.

In general, knowing the difference between ethnicity and race can assist healthcare providers in better assessing patient needs. This is because they will take into account potential biases when working with patients from other backgrounds. Knowing how the racial classifications have evolved over time will also help you understand why some populations are grouped together, for example in data gathering or medical research. However, they may come from different backgrounds.