How is race generally defined?

Race is generally defined as a group unified by specific physical characteristics. This definition focuses on the observable traits that people may share, such as skin color, facial features, and hair texture, which are often used to categorize individuals into different racial groups. These physical characteristics can be linked to geographic ancestry and have historically been a basis for social classification.

While cultural practices are significant in understanding ethnic groups, they do not encompass the biological aspect of race as defined here. Governmental classifications might vary significantly depending on the context and are not inherent to the concept of race itself. Categorizing language differences relates more to ethnicity rather than race, highlighting linguistic and cultural heritage rather than physical attributes. Hence, the concept of race is most accurately encapsulated by the notion of shared physical characteristics.