Race Is a Social, Rather Than a Biological, Construct

question 57

Essay

Race is a social, rather than a biological, construct. This is especially illustrated through an examination of the U.S. Census racial categories. Consider the racial categories in the U.S. Census over time. How does the progression of the inclusion and alteration of categories demonstrate the social construction of race in the United States? Provide a detailed discussion with examples.

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Definitions:

Peritubular Capillary

The peritubular capillaries are a network of tiny blood vessels that surround the tubules in the kidney, involved in the reabsorption and secretion processes during urine formation.

Efferent Arteriole

Vessel that carries blood from the glomerulus to the peritubular capillaries.

Glomerular Capillaries

are specialized capillaries within the kidneys that are involved in the filtration process of blood to form urine.

Fenestrae

Small openings or pores, often found in the capillary endothelial cells, which allow for the exchange of substances between blood vessels and tissues.