Ethnicity - GCSE Sociology Definition

Reviewed by: Raj Bonsor

Published

Ethnicity refers to the shared cultural characteristics, traditions, heritage, and identity that connect a group of people. It encompasses aspects such as language, religion, rituals, and customs that are passed down through generations.

In the context of GCSE Sociology, understanding ethnicity is essential because it helps explain how individuals may experience society differently based on these cultural backgrounds. Ethnicity can also influence aspects of an individual's identity and can play a significant role in shaping social interactions, social stratification, and experiences of inequality within society.

Need help reaching your target grade? Explore our notes, questions by topic and worked solutions, tailor-made for GCSE Sociology.

Explore GCSE Sociology

Share this article

Raj Bonsor

Reviewer: Raj Bonsor

Expertise: Psychology & Sociology Content Creator

Raj joined Save My Exams in 2024 as a Senior Content Creator for Psychology & Sociology. Prior to this, she spent fifteen years in the classroom, teaching hundreds of GCSE and A Level students. She has experience as Subject Leader for Psychology and Sociology, and her favourite topics to teach are research methods (especially inferential statistics!) and attachment. She has also successfully taught a number of Level 3 subjects, including criminology, health & social care, and citizenship.

The examiner written revision resources that improve your grades 2x.

Join now