Jewish Identity, Discrimination and Anti-Semitism in Three Countries
A comparative sociological study of the way minority Jews perceive themselves to be treated in Romania, the Netherlands, & Curacao tests the validity of R. M. Marrus & R. D. Paxton's (1981) "three concentric circles" theory of contemporary anti-Semitism, that was expanded by M. Wieviorka (1991) into three dimensions of racism: humiliating racism; racism expressed by differentiation; & institutionalized racism. The history of the formation of Jewish communities & current policies affecting them are examined for each country, drawing on data from personal interviews with 20 Jewish people, ages 18-35, in each country. The 170-item questionnaire focused on feelings about Jewish identity, anti-Semitism, relations with Israel, & Jewish/non-Jewish organizations. The results showed that ideas like Jewish identity are not stable concepts. Anti-Semitic attitudes & discrimination were evident in all three countries, & exhibited Wieviorka's first two dimenisions, but not institutionalized racism. Romania exhibited the highest levels of anti-Semitism & discrimination, & the Netherlands the lowest, while the socioeconomic status of Jews in Curacao had a great effect. 3 Tables, 26 References. J. Lindroth
