• Definition : Race crossing is interbreeding between two different human races. Different human races separated geographically have acquired race specified traits which were stylized through natural selection. Interbreeding/ crossing between races would result in admixture of these traits.
Some Examples
(1) Arabic and Semitic traders have penetrated through Africa.
(2) Asiatic traders have passed on and into the eastern borders of Europe
(3) Europeans have penetrated south west asia and all regions of the world
• Result of race crossing is formation of mixed or secondary races, e.g. Australoids or archaic caucasoids, American Indians, Afro-Americans,
• Mullatto -a cross between Negrito and white
• Cause of race crossing
(a) Historical causes
- Trade : British conquest all over world
- War: Napoleon’s expeditions
- Expeditions to find new areas of the word- e.g. Columbus
- Transportation of Negros as slave in different parts of world.
- Marriage alliances between the royal families.
(b) Modem Causes :
- Industrialization
- Urbanization
- Foreign education
- foreign jobs,
- transportation & communication etc
Physical features of a secondary race show a mix of their parental races.
Debate on race crossing
- (1) During 1860 & 1900, Europeans & Americans felt new urgency about race problems. This was because of civil war & freeing of slaves in U.S.A. & European imperialistic activity in Africa & Asia.
- (2) In 19th century biologist felt that human races have different mental abilities & intellectually superior races (White Races) should not breed with inferior races (Negros). Eg. Galton, Davenport, Panel Popenoe etc.
- (3) Castle argued that race crossing would result in disharmonies.
- (4) But later various scientists such as Julian Huxley and Haddon vigorously opposed superiority of races.
- (5) Later biologist and anthropologists declared that race crossing is sometimes favorable but is never detrimental [Leslie, Drenn and T. Dobzansky]
- (6) UNESCO declaration on race (1951)-There are no pure races and racism is myth.
- (7) Franz Boas-race crossing is harmless
Importance of race crossing
- (1) Racism is myth-proved.
- (2) Formation of new races with new traits
- (3) Cultural exchange and intermixing
- (4) Evolutionary value