How do race and ethncity impact on formation of identity?

... How do 'race' and 'ethnicity' impact on the formation of identity? Identity is a key concept within the social sciences, revolving around how individuals or groups of people in society are identified. The formation of identity is a complex process. 'Race' and 'ethnicity' are key elements impacting upon the formation of identity. This essay will explain what is meant by 'race' and 'ethnicity' and how identities are formed. It will then explain how structure shapes the formation of identity and explain how social changes cause uncertainties leading to the formation of new identities. 'Race' is a term used to categorize humans by their visible differences i.e. White, Asian or Black. However, in social sciences, 'race' is put in quotation marks to emphasize the fact that it should not be classified on the basis of physical characteristics only but, should account for the fact race is socially constructed term and serves an

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