Caucasian: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Legal Definition and Implications
Definition & meaning
The term "Caucasian" originally referred to people from the Caucasus region, located between the Black and Caspian Seas. This area includes parts of southwest Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. Over time, the term has evolved to describe a broader group of individuals. In the context of forensic anthropology and demographic studies, Caucasian typically refers to people with specific physical traits, primarily those with lighter skin tones. In countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia, it is commonly used to identify individuals of European descent, as well as those from northern Africa, southwest Asia, and parts of the Indian subcontinent. In North America, the term often denotes individuals who are white and have ancestry from various regions of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, while generally excluding those with significant Asian, African, or Native American ancestry.