Chapter 14 Ethnicity

Chapter Questions What are some of the meanings of ethnicity and how are these used in the world today? What is the nation-state and how is it related to ethnicity? What are some sources of contemporary ethnic conflicts? Who are indigenous peoples, and what are their relationship with nation-states? What is the relationship between ethnicity and immigration in the United States?

Perspectives in Ethnicity Essentialist historical, demographic, and economic conditions. Constructionalist responses to changing realities within the group and in the society of which it is a part.

Nation State & Ethnicity Process of negotiation Nation-States-shapes ethnicity Construction of patriotism Role of ethnicity in social conflicts Mainstream idea Idea of the “indigena” in Latin America World Bank

European Colonial Laws Western Law Views of Indians Established penal codes, constitutions, and western-style courts. Many colonial laws involved restraints on sexuality. Globalization/colonialism-Indigenous people threats

U.S. Cultural Diversity Native Americans European immigrants Africans Post Slavery Syndrome History- Diversity as the norm The “other” Latinos & Hispanics Asians Middle Easterners

Ethnic Identify & Nativism Dynamic & multileveled Changes as social and economic circumstances change. Group solidarity

Incorporating Immigrants Into Society Assimilation model Melting pot model Mosaic Model

Assimilationist and Immigration History Immigrants 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act 1790 U.S. Citizenship Restrictions Gentlemen’s Agreement Supported minimal immigration to the U.S. Immigration from England vs. Italians.

Assimilationist Model Abandon traditions- become American. Result= Urban Settlement Houses Teach immigrants “American” ways.

Assimilation and Native Americans Mid-19 th century- “De-indianize” the Indian By early 1870s,reservation policy had not transformed Indians into mainstream Americans.

Melting Pot Model Immigrants will melt together. By 1950s- only limited application. Excluded Asians, Native Americans, Mexican Americans, and African Americans.

Immigration Myths 1.Immigrants are ignorant, poor and always on welfare 2.Immigrants refuse to assimilate. 3.The U.S. takes too many immigrants. 4.The main problem with U.S. immigration is the large number of “illegals” coming in. 5.Immigrants are taking jobs away from Americans.

Mosaic Model/ Multiculturalism Cultural diversity is a positive aspect of American national identity. Arose in response to the swell of immigration in the past 25 years. Reality of the Effects of Globalization