On the study of race, racism, and health: A shift from description to explanation

Abstract

While no credible scientist believes that race has any biological or genetic basis, it does have profound social meaning, rooted in history but with contemporary consequences. Racial status is a risk marker for exposure to racism, which may be a primary etiological factor in race differences in morbidity and mortality. The study of racism and health is highly complex and still in its infancy. What we need is not just more research on race, but better research.