Differences In Haiti And The Dominican Republic

Haiti and the Dominican Republic are vastly different counties that have unique systems of classification of race, ethnicity, and governmental structures. The history of the countries of Haiti and The Dominican Republic shape how these countries classify race. To comprehend the demographical differences in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, we need to analyze how historical contexts shape the structures of those countries today. The racial data collected by Haitian and Dominican Republican citizens is based on the socially constructed idea of race, not the biological theory of race. Dark skinned citizens are the minority groups while lighter skinned citizens are considered the elitist's groups. As we explore these distinct variations of race
Since the racial classification of race is based on socially constructed concepts, black and mulattos are determined based on skin color. In a study conducted by the Gerald F. Murray on Dominican-Haitian and Ethnic Perceptions and Sentiments, he found that Haitians formulated a system of labels that aids them in distinguishing individuals based on skin color. As found in the observations, these labels are created by “the mulatto elites of Port-au-Prince” who were skeptical about the “racial purity” within their country. These elites believed the best way to address this issue is by creating “a parallel system of complex labels to distinguish among Haitians of slightly different skin colors and hair types” (9). According to the World Factbook, Haiti consists of “95% black and 5% mulattos.” However, the classification of black and mulattoes are viewed as ethnic groups, not necessarily based on race. The reason for this variation could date back to historical time periods. Mulatto is a term reserved for individuals who “are outside of Haiti as a designation for people whose brown skin is known to be a combination of African and European ancestry” where black is referred to as have a darker skin complexion