Chapter 17 Ethnicity and Ethnic Conflict Key Terms

Chapter 17, Ethnicity and Ethnic Conflict Key Terms

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

l origin myth Common or shared historical experience that serves to unite and distinguish an ethnic group from other groups and give it a distinct social identity. l ethnic boundary markers A way of determining or expressing membership in an ethnic group.

l ethnogenesis The emergence of a new ethnic group. l nationality Ethnic group with a geographical region over which they have exclusive rights.

l homeland The geographical area, defined by history, that in their beliefs collectively and exclusively belongs to the members of that nationality. l subnationalities A group that sees itself as a dependent and politically subordinate subset of a nationality.

l transnationals Members of an ethnic community located outside their country of origin and homeland. l civilization A grouping of a number of different nationalities on the basis of a shared cultural historical heritage that collectively distinguishes them form other like groups.

l artificial countries Multinationality countries created by external powers; usually applied to former colonies. l ethnic homogenization The process by which one ethnic group attempts to eliminate rival ethnic groups within a particular region or country.

l ethnic cleansing Deliberate and systematic attempt by the dominant ethnic group to eliminate a rival ethnic group or groups within a geographical region. l genocide The deliberate and systematic attempt to physically destroy the unwanted ethnic population.

l relocation The forced resettlement of an unwanted ethnic group in a new geographical location. l assimilation The social absorption of one ethnic group by another, dominant one.

l forced assimilation The government of the dominant ethnic group adopts policies designed to deliberately destroy or change the ethnic identity of the less powerful ethnic group. l passive assimilation When more dominant ethnic groups absorb members of less powerful group without formal planning or political coercion.

l segregation The dominant ethnic group places legal restrictions on the actions of the members of the dependent group. l accommodation The creation of social and political systems that provide for and support ethnic group differences.