If you’ve ever filled out a Census form, a college application or a patient questionnaire at the doctor’s office, you’ve probably been asked to identify your race and ethnicity. Governments, ...

If you've ever filled out a demographic form (like the US Census), you've probably been asked about your race and ethnicity. You might even wonder exactly what those terms mean and how they differ.

If it seems like the distinctions between race and ethnicity are confusing, unsatisfying or unclear, you’re onto something. These categories are messy and lack concrete definitions. Their meanings ...