How did colonization create the idea of race as a social construct?

Colonization played a significant role in creating the idea of race as a social construct. During the era of European expansion and colonization, the establishment of colonial territories involved encounters with diverse cultures and populations around the world. Europeans, driven by a desire for economic prosperity and the belief in their inherent superiority, used the concept of race to justify their colonization efforts. They categorized people into distinct racial groups based on physical characteristics, cultural practices, and perceived levels of civilization. The domination and subjugation of indigenous populations were rationalized as a result of these racial categorizations, as colonizers believed they were bringing progress and civilization to so-called "inferior" races. This exploitation and oppression laid the foundation for the development of racial hierarchies, stereotypes, and prejudices, perpetuating the notion that different races occupy distinct positions in society. The legacy of colonization has, since then, influenced how societies perceive and understand race, leading to the social construct and long-lasting consequences it entails.

Colonization Idea Race Social Construct