Asked by Tanika Kanwar on May 27, 2024

verifed

Verified

How do scholars explain differences in skin color and other physical attributes that have been used as "markers" of race?

Racialized Institution

An institution that embeds racial practices and policies within its operations, thereby perpetuating racial inequalities and hierarchies.

Physical Attributes

The observable physical characteristics of an individual, including height, body shape, skin color, hair, and facial features.

Markers

Distinctive signs or symbols that identify or classify individuals or groups based on characteristics such as race, class, or gender.

  • Understand the concept of race as a social construct and its implications.
verifed

Verified Answer

CH
Connie HicksMay 29, 2024
Final Answer :
Scholars explain differences in skin color and other physical attributes that have been used as "markers" of race as a result of genetic variations that have developed over thousands of years in response to different environmental factors. These variations are not indicative of distinct racial categories, but rather reflect the diverse range of human populations and their adaptations to different climates, diets, and lifestyles. Additionally, the concept of race as a biological category has been debunked by scientific research, which has shown that genetic differences between individuals within the same so-called racial group are often greater than those between individuals from different groups. Therefore, the use of physical attributes as markers of race is a social construct rather than a biological reality. Scholars emphasize the importance of understanding and celebrating human diversity while challenging the notion of race as a fixed and meaningful biological category.