Race is generally defined as a biological concept that classifies humans based on physical characteristics. However, modern science has revealed that the biological foundations of race are weak, and it is more accurately understood as a social and historical construct. Today, the term “race” lies at the heart of both scientific debates and struggles for social justice and equality.
Race from a Biological Perspective
Historically, humans were categorized into different races based on physical differences such as skin color, hair texture, and eye shape. These classifications were often divided into three main racial groups: Caucasoid (white), Mongoloid (Asian), and Negroid (Black). However:
- Modern genetic science shows that genetic differences between humans are minimal, and making distinctions based on race has no real scientific basis.
- The human species is genetically very homogeneous, which invalidates the idea of distinct biological races.
Race in Social and Cultural Contexts
Today, race is approached as a sociological and cultural term. Concepts such as “racism” stem from this understanding. In social terms, race refers to categories created based on people’s outward appearance:
- Prejudices, discrimination, and inequality in society are often based on race.
- Racism is the belief that one race is superior to others and has historically paved the way for inhumane practices such as slavery and genocide.
Race and Science
Organizations such as UNESCO and many other scientific institutions state that:
- Classifying human races biologically is both incorrect and harmful.
- Differences among humans should be understood within cultural, historical, and geographical contexts.
Combating Racism
The concept of race has been misused by certain ideologies and formed the foundation of discriminatory systems (e.g., apartheid, slavery, the Holocaust). For this reason, today:
- Anti-racism movements,
- Equal citizenship rights,
- Inclusive policies are crucial for building more just societies.
Conclusion
Although race has historically been used to divide people, modern scientific approaches show that it lacks a valid biological foundation. Instead, race is now seen as a social and cultural category, and understanding it within the framework of human rights, equality, and justice is essential.
