The Explication of Race in Rheumatology Disparities

Abstract

The challenge of raceThe appropriate use of race in medical research and clinical care is a topic fraught with confusion and misunderstanding. Jonathan Kahn, in his insightful book "Race in a Bottle," 1 eloquently observes that "…underlying such confusion is an even deeper set of assumptions about the nature of race and more broadly of social science in relation to the natural sciences. These assumptions are grounded in the acceptance of race as a social category that is aligned with a near-simultaneous marginalization of race as 'merely' social and hence not deserving of the same sort of care of consideration devoted to "real" natural phenomena, such as genetics." Kahn further elaborates on the distinct language of race compared with the specialized language of biomedical experts, who have spent years honing specific skills and expertise that are not accessible to the general public. In contrast, race is a concept that everyone encounters and discusses in daily life, making it appear obvious, intuitive, and seemingly simple to understand and discuss without specialized knowledge. However, this apparent simplicity is deceptive. Kahn argues that "in some contexts, this may be true; but not in the biomedical sciences," in which the use of race requires great care and expertise. The challenge lies in using race to address and understand racism and disparities without reinforcing stereotypes or incorrect and unfounded biologic assumptions. The intersection of race with various biologic, social, and environmental factors make it a powerful but potentially misleading tool if not handled with the necessary knowledge, reflection, and sensitivity. Thus, professionals in the field must navigate these waters with precision and a deep understanding of both the scientific implications and the social ramifications of their work.This complexity arises because although race is a social construct with no genetic or biologic basis, it has profound