Racialization & Ethnicity

For sociologists, race and ethnicity give us better insight into how different people navigate the world. Sociologists understand that race is not a set of meaningful physical or biological characteristics but rather a socially constructed concept, often based on pseudoscientific, outdated, and discriminatory ideas. Racialization refers to the social process through which people are assigned racial meanings and categories that are based on perceived differences. Ethnicity refers to shared cultural backgrounds, including language, traditions and ancestry. Both race and ethnicity influence our social identities, but their meanings vary across different cultures and places.

Sociologists examine how ideas about race and ethnicity develop, how they become a part of social institutions, and how they shape people's everyday lives. This includes studying racism, prejudice, discrimination, colonialism, immigration, and multiculturalism. Moreover, sociologists look at how racialization can influence access to opportunities or services, such as education or healthcare.

Studying racialization, race, and ethnicity encourages us to question the historical roots behind racial categories. We can also interrogate these categories by examining whose interests they serve and how they continue to influence society. Applying a sociological lens allows us to better understand the historical and ongoing effects of colonialism and systemic racism, particularly in the Canadian context. Understanding race and ethnicity helps us understand the past so we can create more equitable futures.