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The Debate on Race: A Problem of Semantics Rather than of Biology

Roger Pearson

10.46469/mq.2002.42.4.6

Published: 2002/06/01

Abstract

The author surveys the history of the race concept, and suggests that much misunderstanding has arisen due to semantic confusion. To understand the significance of race in the study of man it is necessary to remember that the essence of the concept is heredity, and that the emphasis should at all times be placed on lineage and descent groups rather than on geographical populations.