What does ethnicity refer to in the context of multiculturalism?

Ethnicity refers to the shared characteristics of a group of people that include common ancestry, cultural practices, values, traditions, and sometimes language or religion. This concept encompasses the unique heritage and identity that groups maintain, which can influence their sense of community and cultural practices. Understanding ethnicity in the context of multiculturalism is crucial as it highlights the diversity of cultural experiences and the importance of recognizing and appreciating these differences within society.

The other choices do not adequately define ethnicity. While language and religion can be aspects of ethnic identity, they are not universal among all humans, making that choice too broad. Biological differences pertain to race rather than ethnicity and do not capture the cultural dimensions that define ethnic groups. Furthermore, a belief in racial superiority speaks to a prejudiced ideology rather than the definition of ethnicity itself, which focuses on cultural and social identity rather than hierarchical categorization.