An ethnic group is a group of people who are set apart from others because of their shared national origin or distinctive cultural patterns, which can include language, religion, traditions, customs, and shared history. Members of an ethnic group typically share a sense of common identity and belonging based on these cultural elements, which distinguish them from other groups in society. Ethnicity is a social construct, meaning that it is defined and maintained through social interaction and cultural practices rather than being based on fixed biological traits. The boundaries of ethnic groups can be fluid and may change over time due to factors such as migration, intermarriage, and social and political contexts. The study of ethnic groups is central to understanding cultural diversity, intergroup relations, and issues of identity and belonging in sociology.