Race is widely understood in contemporary science and social sciences as a social construct rather than a biological reality. Although people are often categorized into races based on physical traits like skin color, these categorizations do not have a firm basis in genetics, since most genetic variation occurs within so-called racial groups rather than between them. The concept of race has developed historically as a way for societies to organize and differentiate groups of people, often to justify unequal treatment and maintain social hierarchies. Thus, race is more about how societies identify and treat people than about inherent biological differences.
Scientific consensus confirms that race has no meaningful biological foundation but carries significant social implications and real consequences in people's lives. The idea of race as a social construct explains how racial categories and the meanings attached to them have changed over time and vary across cultures. Additionally, the construct reflects historical and current power dynamics rather than a natural division of humanity.
