The development of the ideology of race is a complex and multifaceted historical process. It originated during the era of European exploration and colonization, particularly from the 15th century onward. As Europeans encountered diverse cultures and populations across the globe, they sought to comprehend and categorize the observed differences.
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Early efforts to classify people into distinct racial groups relied heavily on superficial physical characteristics, such as skin color, hair type, and facial features. These classifications were strongly influenced by prevailing social, political, and economic interests. Europeans used the concept of race to rationalize the exploitation and subjugation of indigenous peoples, Africans, and other groups encountered during colonial ventures.
The ideology of race developed alongside scientific and pseudoscientific theories, such as phrenology and eugenics, which aimed to establish hierarchical rankings of races based on perceived intelligence and physical attributes. These ideas provided a foundation to justify colonialism, slavery, and discriminatory practices.
In the modern era, scientific advancements in genetics and anthropology have debunked the notion of race as a biological or genetic reality. It is now widely understood that human genetic variation exists along a continuum rather than discrete racial categories. However, the legacy of racial ideology persists, and addressing systemic racism and promoting equality remain ongoing challenges in many societies.