What does ethnicity refer to?

Ethnicity refers to the identity that is shared among a group based on common social experiences, cultural heritage, and ancestry. This includes elements such as language, traditions, cultural practices, and shared history, making it a social construct that connects individuals who identify themselves with a particular group.

The concept of ethnicity goes beyond mere biological characteristics or physical traits; it encompasses the shared experiences and cultural identities that unite a group of people. This can involve common beliefs, customs, and practices that are passed down through generations, reinforcing community ties and a sense of belonging.

In contrast, the other options revolve around different concepts that do not fully capture the meaning of ethnicity. For instance, biological characteristics pertain more to race and are associated with genetics, while physical traits would also align more with the notion of race rather than the cultural or social identity encapsulated in ethnicity. Social hierarchies can exist within or across cultures but do not define what ethnicity itself is; they describe social structures rather than the identities formed through shared cultural experiences. Therefore, the correct understanding of ethnicity lies in the shared identity that emerges from social experiences and ancestry.