Actually, artbrooks is incorrect in saying that the definition I am using is wrong. Even Websters dictionary supports my usage...

2 a: a family, tribe, people, or nation belonging to the same stock b: a class or kind of people unified by shared interests, habits, or characteristics

http://www.m-w.com/dictionary

However, I most often see or hear people from your side of the pond using the term in the way I am using it, McGrath.