Mankind
Quarterly, Vol. 42, No. 4 (Summer 2002)
pp. 419-440
The Debate on Race: A Problem
of Semantics Rather than of Biology.
Roger Pearson
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.
