Explorations in Sights and Sounds
Orginal Publication Date
1985
Journal Title
Explorations in Sights and Sounds
Volume
5
Issue
ess/vol5/iss1
First Page
68
Last Page
69
Abstract
"... Ethnic identity requires the maintenance of sufficiently consistent behavior to enable others to place an individual or group in some given social category, thus permitting appropriate interactive behavior." With this definition by George De Vos as thesis, Anya Peterson Royce examines ethnic identity, considering it as " ... one of many identities available to people ... developed, manipulated or ignored ... " as the particular situation demands. She identifies power, perception and purpose as the fundamental criteria which determine behavior in any inter-ethnic situation. Colonialism, nationalism and mass immigration are analyzed from an historical and theoretical perspective and as socio-economic manifestations of power, perception and purpose by dominant and subordinant [subordinate] groups interacting in their respective societies. Expressions, manifestations of ethnic identity, are seen as a dynamic which is characterized by both change and consistency. This dynamic encompasses all variations of individual and collective behavior, including the antitheses of cultural pluralism and isolationism. The dynamic is shaped by socio-economic factors but motivating forces are power, perception and purpose.
Rights
Copyright, ©EES, The National Association for Ethnic Studies, 1985