The Multiple Facets of Ethnicity

Abstract

Describes the multiple facets of ethnicity & their impact on how ethnicity reveals itself over time & across varied settings. Difficulties involved in obtaining reliable & valid measurements of ethnicity are pointed out, especially in relation to the use of self-identification. The social constructionist approach to ethnicity is explained & racial differences in IQ are used to describe the debate surrounding genetic hypotheses. Emphasis is placed on the need to disaggregate ethnicity into its multiple components in order to test for possible mediators of ethnic effects. The various facets that need to be considered include personal group identity, religion, language, social community, intergenerational differences, social position, education, area influences, social context, lifestyle, immigration, minority status, discrimination, & genetic composition. Even though no data set can adequately cover the range of possible mediators, comparisons across ethnic groups & social contexts are crucial. It is concluded that researchers must acknowledge the analytical challenges presented by multiple identifications in order to avoid misinterpreting causal mechanisms. References. J. Lindroth