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Sociology is the study of human societies, their interactions, and the processes that shape them. It examines social structures like institutions, communities, and groups, as well as social issues such as inequality, social movements, and change.1

Race is a social construct, often based on perceived physical traits, that has historically been used to divide and rank people. Ethnicity, on the other hand, relates to shared cultural heritage, ancestry, language, or religion. Race relations, a key area within sociology, explores how these socially constructed categories influence social interactions, power dynamics, and access to resources. Historically, racial ideologies have led to systemic discrimination, as seen in practices like segregation and the denial of rights to certain groups. In South Africa, for example, apartheid-era policies created vast disparities in healthcare and economic opportunities based on race, with lingering effects today.234567

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