Race and Ethnic Categories: A Brief Review of Global Terms and Nomenclature

Abstract

Terminology regarding descriptors of race and ethnicity have been constantly evolving. Due to differences in terminology, data collection, demographics, and group identity, there are numerous challenges in determining what descriptors are suitable and acceptable to all individuals. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has defined six racial and ethnic categories that should be used for reporting purposes. This review gives a historical background of the definition of the different racial and ethnic categories. This review also aims to define acceptable categories of race and ethnicity to provide guidelines for reports and best practices.