Final answer:
Race is a social construction that has no scientific basis but is a reality in terms of social constructs. It shapes our perceptions, behaviors, and institutions. Social science organizations reject biological explanations of race.
Step-by-step explanation:
Race is a fiction in the sense that it is not a scientific fact, but rather a social construction. There is no accurate way to divide human biological variation into distinct races. However, race is a reality in the social context, as it shapes our perceptions, behaviors, and institutions. For example, archaeological excavations have shown how race influenced various aspects of people's lives, such as the buildings they lived in and the clothing they wore.
Race as a social construction is evident in the fact that people created the categories and tests used to define race. It is also reflected in the changing names for racial categories over time. Social science organizations have rejected biological explanations of race and argue that previous racial categories were arbitrarily assigned and used to justify racist practices.
In conclusion, race is a fiction in terms of biology, but a reality in terms of social constructs. It is a socially and culturally constructed concept that shapes our society, even though it has no scientific basis.