Chapter 17, Ethnicity and Ethnic Conflict

1. Chapter 17, Ethnicity and Ethnic Conflict Key Terms

2. ethnic groupA named social group based on perception of shared ancestry, cultural tradition, and common history that culturally distinguish that group from other groups. • hierarchical nestingOccurs when an ethnic group is part of a larger collection of ethnic groups, which together constitute a higher level of ethnic identity.

3. origin mythCommon or shared historical experience that serves to unite and distinguish an ethnic group from other groups and give it a distinct social identity. • ethnic boundary markersA way of determining or expressing membership in an ethnic group.

4. ethnogenesisThe emergence of a new ethnic group. • nationalityEthnic group with a geographical region over which they have exclusive rights.

5. homelandThe geographical area, defined by history, that in their beliefs collectively and exclusively belongs to the members of that nationality. • subnationalitiesA group that sees itself as a dependent and politically subordinate subset of a nationality.

6. transnationalsMembers of an ethnic community located outside their country of origin and homeland. • civilizationA grouping of a number of different nationalities on the basis of a shared cultural historical heritage that collectively distinguishes them form other like groups.

7. artificial countriesMultinationality countries created by external powers; usually applied to former colonies. • ethnic homogenizationThe process by which one ethnic group attempts to eliminate rival ethnic groups within a particular region or country.

8. ethnic cleansingDeliberate and systematic attempt by the dominant ethnic group to eliminate a rival ethnic group or groups within a geographical region. • genocideThe deliberate and systematic attempt to physically destroy the unwanted ethnic population.

9. relocationThe forced resettlement of an unwanted ethnic group in a new geographical location. • assimilationThe social absorption of one ethnic group by another, dominant one.

10. forced assimilationThe government of the dominant ethnic group adopts policies designed to deliberately destroy or change the ethnic identity of the less powerful ethnic group. • passive assimilationWhen more dominant ethnic groups absorb members of less powerful group without formal planning or political coercion.

11. segregationThe dominant ethnic group places legal restrictions on the actions of the members of the dependent group. • accommodationThe creation of social and political systems that provide for and support ethnic group differences.