Ethnicity and race
Ethnicity is defined as:
The social group a person belongs to, and either identifies with or is identified with by others, as a result of a mix of cultural and other factors including language, diet, religion, ancestry and physical features traditionally associated with race (Bhopal 2004).
Ethnicity is self-defined and may change over time. It overlaps with the legally protected racial identity but is a broader term.
Race is a legally protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010 and is defined under the Act as being part of a group of people who are identified by their:
- nationality
- citizenship
- colour
- national or ethnic origins
Watch the Ethnicity and Race Toolkit webinar for more information:
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Page last updated: 15 February 2024
