Ethnicity is best described as

• A. The cultural heritage of a group
• B. A social category constructed by society
• C. Based on skin color
• D. A fixed set of traits

Answer: (A)

Ethnicity centers on shared cultural heritage—language, religion, customs, traditions, and historical experiences that give a group a sense of common identity. This focus on culture distinguishes it from race, which is tied to physical attributes like skin color. It also isn’t a fixed set of traits, since cultures are dynamic and can change through contact, migration, and personal choice. While societies do shape ethnic categories, the defining element is the cultural connections and heritage people recognize and share.