In the age of genetic science, the old notion that humans can be biologically categorized by race has been decisively disproven. Yet, despite overwhelming evidence from decades of research, race continues to be used—both socially and politically—as if it were a biological truth. So, what has genetics really taught us about race?
(Image Credit: Getty Images)
The Human Genome Project: A Turning Point
When the Human Genome Project released its first draft 25 years ago, it reshaped how we understand human diversity. One of its most striking findings was that there is more genetic variation within so-called racial groups than between them. This revealed a critical truth: race has no basis in biology—it is a social construct.
This was not merely a side note but a cornerstone discovery in modern genetics. The concept of distinct "races" based on biology began to unravel, confirming what many scientists had long argued: racial classifications are not supported by genetics.
The Misuse of Race in Science and Society
Despite the evidence, race is still used in various sectors—including medicine, healthcare, and social policy—as if it were biologically meaningful. This is not only scientifically inaccurate but also harmful. Racial essentialism—the belief that people can be defined by unchangeable biological traits tied to race—has resurfaced in social media, political rhetoric, and even academic research.
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| U.S. President Donald Trump challenges widely accepted scientific views on race (Image Credit: Getty Images) |
When U.S. President Donald Trump criticized a Smithsonian exhibit for stating that race is a human invention, he directly challenged the scientific consensus. The exhibition, “The Shape of Power: Stories of Race and American Sculpture,” correctly portrayed race as a social, not biological, construct. However, it was labeled as promoting “divisive narratives” in an Executive Order titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.”
This political move alarmed scientists and historians alike, especially those like Dr. Adam Rutherford, a geneticist at University College London and author of How to Argue with a Racist. Rutherford and others argue that denying the social construction of race is not only wrong but dangerous.
Race-focused Smithsonian exhibition draws intervention from Trump White House (Image Credit: Getty Images)
A History of Racial Science
To understand today’s misconceptions, we must revisit the origins of racial categorization in science. In the 18th century, Carl Linnaeus, the father of modern taxonomy, divided humans into four “types” based primarily on skin color and geography—Americanus, Asiaticus, Africanus, and Europeaus.
These categories quickly took on hierarchical, racist overtones. Linnaeus attributed behavioral traits to each group, painting Europeans as "inventive and governed by laws" while describing Africans as "lazy" and "crafty". This pseudoscience laid the groundwork for centuries of racial discrimination masked as biology.
Genetics vs. Racial Categories
Fast-forward to the modern era, and we find that genetic data dismantles these outdated racial groupings. Research shows that two individuals from different parts of Africa, such as Ethiopia and Namibia, can be more genetically different from each other than either is from a European or Asian individual.
This is due to the vast genetic diversity found within Africa—the origin of modern humans. It renders racial labels like “Black” or “White” overly simplistic and scientifically meaningless. Yet these labels persist socially and culturally, especially in countries like the United States where the history of slavery and colonialism has left a lasting legacy.
Race as a Social Construct with Real Consequences
Although race isn’t biologically real, it carries real-world consequences. Racism and inequality often manifest in health outcomes. During the Covid-19 pandemic, minority communities—especially Black, South Asian, and Hispanic populations—suffered disproportionately.
Early in the pandemic, some media narratives sought to explain this through biological differences, like vitamin D levels. But the reality was more rooted in socioeconomics: people of color were more likely to work in frontline jobs, live in multigenerational homes, and face systemic healthcare disparities. Race didn’t cause the higher infection and death rates—racism and inequality did.
The Genetic Fallacy of “Good Genes”
Trump’s rhetoric often included references to “good genes,” especially among predominantly white audiences. In contrast, immigrants were labeled as having “bad genes.” These statements reflect a misunderstanding of genetics and harken back to dangerous ideologies of eugenics.
In truth, there are no universally “good” or “bad” genes. Genetic variation is complex, contextual, and does not correlate with moral or intellectual worth.
Moving Forward: Science for Equity
Genetics, when properly understood, promotes equality rather than division. By debunking racial myths, it allows us to focus on real social issues instead of chasing illusions of biological determinism. As Dr. Rutherford points out, understanding that race is a social construct helps us better combat racism—not with ideology, but with evidence.
What are your thoughts on race as a social construct? Share your perspective in the comments below.
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