Sociologists distinguish between racial and ethnic groups.
The term racial group is used to describe a group which is set apart from others because of obvious physical differences. Whites, African Americans and Asian Americans are considered racial groups in the United States. Unlike racial groups, An ethnic group is set apart primarily because of nation origin or distinctive cultural patters. In the United States, Puerto Ricans, Jews and Polish American are considered ethnic groups. A minority group is a subordinate group whose members have less control or power over their own lives than the members of a majority group.