A mixed-race or multiracial person has family origins in more than one racial group. This can mean that a person's ancestors come from different backgrounds or that their immediate parents represent distinct racial groups. The word "race" itself is a social category with varied meanings across places and times, and different institutions have adopted different labels and rules for who is counted as belonging to particular groups; see race for the concept in general.

Terms and identity

Common terms include mixed race, multiracial, biracial and mixed heritage. People may identify by hyphenated labels (for example, Black–Asian) or with broader terms like multiracial. Identity can be personal and change over a lifetime, influenced by family, community, appearance, and legal or administrative categories.

Characteristics and experiences

There is no single experience shared by all mixed-race people. Some encounter flexible social recognition, while others face pressures to choose one category. Appearance, language, upbringing and local social norms shape how individuals are perceived and how they self-identify. Mixed-race families and communities often create blended cultural practices, languages and traditions.

History and development

Mixed ancestry has been present for millennia wherever human populations met and intermarried. Colonial, legal and census systems have sometimes rigidly classified people or imposed rules that affected identity and rights. In many societies, changing migration patterns and social attitudes have led to greater visibility and different institutional approaches to counting and describing mixed-race people.

Social importance and examples

  • Representation: growing numbers of mixed-race public figures influence cultural perceptions and media portrayals.
  • Families: interracial and interethnic partnerships create diverse households and kin networks.
  • Research: scholars study identity formation, health disparities, and demographic change among multiracial populations.

Distinctions and contemporary issues

Mixed race differs from multiethnic (shared cultural or national origins) and differs from simply having diverse ancestry when that ancestry does not shape social identity. Contemporary issues include how government forms and social institutions record race, how discrimination affects people differently, and how communities build inclusive identities. Many mixed-race people and organizations promote recognition, nuanced data collection and pride in complex heritage.