Ethnic identity

Question 1

Definition of ethnicity

Answer 1

Refers to a persons cultural characteristics such as:
Language
Religion
Geographical origins and common descent

Question 2

Features

Answer 2

Common descent- this could be represented by colour race or other physical characteristics for example people of African Caribbean desent being black is their prime source of identity

Geographical origins- links with a country of origin are important. For example ethnic identity may involve seening oneself as Pakistani

History- members of ethnic cultures may share a sense of struggle and oppression which originates in a particular historical context such as slavery

Language- as well as speaking English members of particular groups may speak the language(s) of their country of origin at home for example older generation Chinese people may speak in Cantonese

Religion- for some minority ethnic groups this is the most important influence on their daily life. For example Pakistanis will see themselves as Muslims first and foremost

Traditions and rituals- these are normally cultural or religious events ceremonies and celebrations that reinforce a sense of ethnic community and therefore identity. For example the Notting Hill Carnival held annually in London

Question 3

Ethnicity case studies

Answer 3

African carribean identities 
Alexander- the art of being black 
She studies black youths in London 
Constructing black identity
Wearing symbolic markers for example music walking etc 
this makes them identifiable 

White identities
Hewitt- white blacklash against multiculturalism

Asian identities
Basit (1997) education
Interviewed 24 British girls who were muslims, parents were also interviewed as well as teachers
She found that misconceptions about Asians girls, Islam: oppressive, arranged marriage is undesirable.
The sociologists said this would be an example of othering

Sreberny (1999) media
Ethnic minorities are negatively streotyped and two dimensional

Question 4

How ethnic identities are created and reinforced

Answer 4

Ethnic identity is something that an individual can achieve and express to others. For example through their clothing or their religious values.
Othering is where the self is seen in a positive way and anything different is defined as negative

Question 5

How ethnic identity is changing?

Answer 5

Cultural hybridity-
A hybrid is a cross between two or more things such as brasian which is a mixture of British and Asian

Nayak(2003) white wannabes