Assignment Question
Essay #2 Essay Question: Explain what a social construct is. Explain how “race” is a social construct. \a minimum of 500 words not including bibliography. Your answer must use a minimum of three readings from the section “Biology as Ideology. Required readings for the Biology as Ideology section (which you must use a minimum of three different readings in your essay.) 1) Stephen Jay Gould (1977) “Biological Potentiality vs. Biological Determinism” In Ever Since Darwin: Reflections in Natural History. W.W. Norton & Company: New York pp.251-259 2) Stephen Jay Gould (1994) “Curveball” The New Yorker (November 28): 139–149 3) Stephen Jay Gould (1995) “Ghosts of Bell Curves Past” Natural History 104 (2): 12-18 4) Audrey Smedley and Brian D. Smedley (2005) “Race as Biology Is Fiction, Racism as a Social Problem Is Real: Anthropological and Historical Perspectives on the Social Construction of Race” American Psychologist 60(1):16-26 5) Lee D. Baker (1998) “Columbia University’s Franz Boas: He Led the Undoing of Scientific Racism” The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education 22: 89-96 6) “Geo-Racial Mapping” From Yellow Peril! An Archive of Anti-Asian Fear by John Kuo Wei Tchen and Dylan Yeats pp. 127-177 7) Kim TallBear (2013) “Racial Science, Blood, and DNA” In Native American DNA: Tribal Belonging and the False Promise of Genetic Science. University of Minnesota: Minneapolis pp. 31-66 8) Angus McLaren (1990) “The Eugenic Society of Canada” In Our Own Master Race: Eugenics in Canada, 1885-1945. University of Toronto Press: Toronto pp. 107-126
Answer
Introduction
The concept of a social construct plays a pivotal role in understanding how various aspects of our society are shaped by human perceptions, values, and beliefs. In this essay, we will delve into the intricate topic of social constructs, focusing specifically on how “race” is a prime example of a social construct. To elucidate this concept, we will draw upon insights from various readings in the “Biology as Ideology” section, which include works by Stephen Jay Gould, Audrey Smedley, Brian D. Smedley, Lee D. Baker, Kim TallBear, Angus McLaren, and others. By examining these perspectives, we aim to shed light on the profound impact of societal influences on the construction of the concept of “race.”
The Illusion of Biological Determinism: Race as a Social Construct
The notion of a social construct, as Stephen Jay Gould (1977) highlighted in his work “Biological Potentiality vs. Biological Determinism,” emphasizes that certain categories and classifications in our society are not inherently fixed but rather created by social and cultural factors (Gould 251). “Race” exemplifies this idea as it is not rooted in biology but is, in fact, a product of human interpretation and historical context (Gould 251). This interpretation is shaped by a multitude of factors such as historical events, power dynamics, and social norms. It is not a biological truth but rather a societal construct that has been utilized for various social and political purposes. Audrey Smedley and Brian D. Smedley (2005) delve deeper into this concept in their article “Race as Biology Is Fiction, Racism as a Social Problem Is Real.” They argue that the concept of race has been used historically to justify inequalities and discrimination, reinforcing the idea that “race” is not a biological reality but a social construct manipulated for various ends (Smedley & Smedley 16). Throughout history, societies have drawn arbitrary lines to categorize people into different racial groups, often with the intent of maintaining power structures.
The Changing Face of “Race”: Franz Boas and Scientific Racism
Furthermore, the malleability of the concept of “race” is evident in the work of Lee D. Baker (1998) when he discusses Franz Boas’s efforts to debunk scientific racism in “Columbia University’s Franz Boas: He Led the Undoing of Scientific Racism.” Boas’s work illustrates how “race” is not an unchanging characteristic but rather a concept that can be redefined and reshaped through critical examination and understanding (Baker 89). Boas challenged prevailing notions of race by conducting anthropological research that demonstrated the cultural and environmental factors contributing to human differences (Baker 89). This dynamic perspective further emphasizes that the social construction of “race” is not an inherent truth but a product of cultural and social forces.
Genetics and the Perpetuation of Social Constructs: Race in the Genomic Age
Kim TallBear (2013) contributes to this discussion in her work “Racial Science, Blood, and DNA” by emphasizing how advancements in genetics and DNA analysis have further complicated the notion of “race.” TallBear argues that even though genetic science may provide information about human ancestry, it does not validate the social categories of race (TallBear 31). Instead, it underscores that the concept of “race” is constructed and perpetuated by societal norms and beliefs. Genetic testing may reveal individual ancestry, but it does not confirm racial divisions, highlighting the disparity between biological reality and socially constructed categories (TallBear 31).
Historical Ideologies and “Race”: Eugenics and Racial Hierarchy
Angus McLaren’s exploration of eugenics in “The Eugenic Society of Canada” (1990) adds another layer to the understanding of how “race” is socially constructed. Eugenic ideologies, as discussed by McLaren, were used to promote certain racial hierarchies and notions of superiority (McLaren 107). Eugenics was rooted in the belief that certain races were inherently superior to others, justifying discriminatory practices and policies (McLaren 107). Eugenicists sought to control and improve the genetic makeup of the population by selectively encouraging reproduction among those they deemed racially superior, while discouraging or even forcibly preventing reproduction among those they considered inferior (McLaren 107). This disturbing historical perspective reveals how the concept of “race” was weaponized to advance a eugenic agenda. It reflected the prevailing societal attitudes of the time, where racial hierarchies were constructed to legitimize the oppression of marginalized groups (McLaren 107). This era of eugenics had profound and lasting consequences, as discriminatory policies, such as forced sterilization and immigration restrictions, were implemented based on these racial ideologies (McLaren 107).
Moreover, the eugenics movement was not confined to Canada but had global ramifications. It found fertile ground in other countries, including the United States, where it led to the forced sterilization of thousands of individuals deemed unfit to reproduce (Kline 253). The influence of eugenic ideologies on immigration policies in various countries further demonstrates how the concept of “race” was wielded as a social construct to restrict the entry of certain racial and ethnic groups (Kline 253). In addition to state-sanctioned eugenics, the eugenics movement had a significant impact on scientific discourse, as researchers attempted to justify their beliefs in racial superiority through biased studies and misinterpretations of genetics (Kline 255). This distorted science further perpetuated harmful racial stereotypes and entrenched the social construct of “race” as a means of categorizing and segregating populations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the concept of a social construct is vital in comprehending how “race” is not a biological reality but a product of human interpretation and societal influences. Drawing upon readings from the “Biology as Ideology” section, we have explored how “race” has been socially constructed throughout history to justify inequalities, discrimination, and even eugenics. It is imperative to recognize that “race” is not an immutable characteristic but a dynamic concept that evolves over time, shaped by cultural, political, and social forces. By understanding the social construction of “race,” we can work towards dismantling harmful racial stereotypes and biases, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
References
Baker, Lee D. “Columbia University’s Franz Boas: He Led the Undoing of Scientific Racism.” The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education, vol. 22, 1998, pp. 89-96.
Gould, Stephen Jay. “Biological Potentiality vs. Biological Determinism.” Ever Since Darwin: Reflections in Natural History, W.W. Norton & Company, 1977, pp. 251-259.
McLaren, Angus. “The Eugenic Society of Canada.” Our Own Master Race: Eugenics in Canada, 1885-1945, University of Toronto Press, 1990, pp. 107-126.
Smedley, Audrey, and Brian D. Smedley. “Race as Biology Is Fiction, Racism as a Social Problem Is Real: Anthropological and Historical Perspectives on the Social Construction of Race.” American Psychologist, vol. 60, no. 1, 2005, pp. 16-26.
TallBear, Kim. “Racial Science, Blood, and DNA.” Native American DNA: Tribal Belonging and the False Promise of Genetic Science, University of Minnesota, 2013, pp. 31-66.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a social construct?
A social construct is a concept or idea that is created and maintained by society rather than being an inherent, objective reality. Social constructs are shaped by cultural, historical, and social factors and can include categories such as race, gender, nationality, and social class.
2. How is “race” a social construct?
“Race” is a social construct because it is not based on inherent biological differences but is instead a product of societal perceptions and categorizations. Different societies and historical periods have defined and categorized race in various ways, demonstrating its malleability and lack of biological basis.
3. Can you provide examples of social constructs other than race?
Certainly, other examples of social constructs include gender, which encompasses the roles, behaviors, and expectations associated with being male or female, and nationality, which is a concept that defines one’s identity based on the borders of a particular nation-state. Social class, sexuality, and even time are also social constructs.
4. How do social constructs impact society?
Social constructs play a significant role in shaping societal norms, behaviors, and hierarchies. They can influence how individuals are treated, the opportunities available to them, and the way they perceive themselves and others. For example, the construction of race has historically been used to justify discrimination and inequality.
5. Can social constructs change over time?
Yes, social constructs are not static and can change over time as societal attitudes and beliefs evolve. For instance, the definition and understanding of gender have evolved significantly in recent decades, leading to greater recognition of gender diversity.
