What does racial identity refer to?

Racial identity refers specifically to an individual's identification with a particular racial group, encompassing personal and collective experiences, values, beliefs, and societal perceptions associated with that group. This identification can shape an individual's interactions, community ties, and sense of self. It is a critical aspect of how individuals view themselves and how they are perceived within a broader societal context, often influencing numerous dimensions of social experiences, including discrimination, privileges, and belonging.

The option about connection to cultural heritage touches on aspects related to ethnicity, which may intersect with racial identity but does not define it. Awareness of international relations is unrelated to racial identity, as it pertains more to global politics and the relationships between countries. Lastly, affiliation with a social class addresses socioeconomic status rather than racial identity, which focuses on racial affiliations and their implications. Therefore, the core of racial identity lies in the identification with specific racial groups and the meanings attached to those identities.