Ethnic identity Definition A population of shared kinship (real or perceived) and culture Descent Religion, language, customs, historical myths

Primordialist approach Identity Biologically based (kinship) Unchanging Symbolically expressed Roots in socio-biology Favorable treatment of the in-group and unfavorable treatment of the out-group may promote survival Encourages positive, even altruistic behavior toward in-group members

Primordialist approach Identity How does identity explain violence? When pre-existing groups feel under threat, they resort to violence

Constructivist approach Identity Individuals have layers of possible identities Identities are multiple and changeable Identities can be manipulated by political entrepreneurs Antagonistic identities are products of elite manipulation Political entrepreneurs seek to manipulate populations for the pursuit of their own political goals

Constructivist approach Identity How does identity explain violence? Elites provoke violence against out-group to gain or hold power