In the modern world, people are regularly grouped into a race based off of certain physical characteristics, such as skin color and facial features. However, biologically speaking these physical characteristics do not correspond to any meaningful distinctions.
In reality, there is a great deal of genetic diversity within each “race”. In fact, there is often more genetic variation within a group than between groups (Yudell, 2014). This means, that people who are classified as belonging to the same race can be more genetically similar to people from another race than they are to people within their own race (Saini, 2020).
Instead of distinct races, the concept of a genetic cline is more useful for understanding the distribution of physical characteristics across populations. A cline refers to a gradual change in a trait, rather than a more binary one (Yudell, 2014). This helps us understand that each person is not a member of a set race, but rather shares qualities with a differing area of people some more than other.
It is important to recognize that race is a social construct, and not a biological fact (Saini, 2020). Using racial categories can perpetuate discrimination and inequality, so it is important to challenge the use of racial classifications when they are not relevant.
Saini, A. (2020). Superior the return of race science. 4th Estate.
Yudell, M. (2018). Race unmasked: Biology and race in the Twentieth Century. Columbia University Press.
Evolutionary Anthropology 