In colonial societies, what does the term 'Mulatto' refer to?

The term 'Mulatto' refers specifically to individuals of mixed European and African descent within colonial societies. This classification emerged during the colonial period, particularly in the Americas, where the transatlantic slave trade and the mixing of different cultures and ethnicities were prevalent. Mulattos often occupied a unique social position, navigating complex racial hierarchies that defined colonial societies.

In contrast to the correct definition, the other options address different ethnic classifications. The reference to Spanish and Indigenous descent relates to the term 'Mestizo,' which describes individuals of mixed Spanish and Indigenous ancestry. Indigenous descent solely pertains to the native populations of the Americas, while mixed European and Asian descent does not align with the established social categories of colonial society and is often described using different terminology. Thus, the distinction of 'Mulatto' as individuals of mixed European and African descent holds significance in understanding the racial dynamics and social structures of colonial times.