Ethnicity Ethonocentrism and Conflict Dr Jared O Bell

Ethnicity, Ethonocentrism, and Conflict Dr. Jared O. Bell, Assistant Professor of International Relations & Public Administration Faculty of Business and Administration International University of Sarajevo

�Based on what we discussed in previous classes, what is ethnicity? Let’s Recall…What’s Ethnicity?

�The causes of ethnic conflict are debated by political scientists and sociologists. Explanations generally fall into one of three schools of thought: primordialist, instrumentalist, and constructivist. More recent scholarship draws on all three schools. Theories of Ethnicity

� Proponents of primordialist accounts argues that "[e]thnic groups and nationalities exist because there are traditions of belief and action towards primordial objects such as biological features and especially territorial location. � asserts that each person has a natural connection to perceived kinsmen. In time and through repeated conflict, essential ties to one's ethnicity will coalesce and will interfere with ties to civil society. Ethnic groups will consequently always threaten the survival of civil governments but not the existence of nations formed by one ethnic group. [Thus, ethnic conflict in multi-ethnic society is inevitable through a primordial lens. � Is this true? ? What are some examples we can draw? Primordialist

� This new theory sought explained persistence as the result of the actions of community leaders, "who used their cultural groups as sites of mass mobilization and as constituencies in their competition for power and resources, because they found them more effective than social classes". ]In this account of ethnic identification, ethnicity and race are viewed as instrumental means to achieve particular ends. [ � Whether ethnicity is a fixed perception or not is not crucial in the instrumentalist accounts. Instrumentalists

�Constructivist, set of accounts stress the importance of the socially constructed nature of ethnic group. �Is this true? What are some examples? Constructivists

�Which theory makes more sense? �What theory carries more merit? Do they all offer us something in the way of understanding ethnic conflict? Which Theory Makes more sense?

�In your own words how would you define ethnocentrism? What is Ethnocentrism?

�Ethnocentrism is judging another culture solely by the values and standards of one's own culture. Ethnocentrism is….

�Ethnocentric individuals judge other groups relative to their own ethnic group or culture, especially with concern for language, behavior, customs, and religion. � These ethnic distinctions and subdivisions serve to define each ethnicity's unique cultural identity. Ethnocentrism is…. (Cont. )

�Ethnocentrism may be overt or subtle, and while it is considered a natural proclivity of human psychology in everyday life, it has developed a generally negative connotation. �What are some examples of Ethno- centrism? Ethnocentrism is…. (Cont. 1)

�Ethnocentrism leads to misunderstanding others. � We falsely distort what is meaningful and functional to other peoples through our own tinted glasses. We see their ways in terms of our life experience, not their context. �We do not understand that their ways have their own meanings and functions in life, just as our ways have for us. Ethnocentrism and Conflict

An individual with an ethnocentric view: � Identifies strongly with in-group ethnicity, culture, etc. � Feels proud, vain, superior about in-group � Views economic, political, social events from the point of their in-group � Defines their culture elements as ‘correct’ & ‘natural’ � Thinks in-group norms are universal � Rejects out-group ethnicities, cultures, etc. � Feels like other ethnicities & cultures are inferior � Xenophobia: a fear or hatred of persons of a different race, or different ethnic or national origin � Defines other culture’s elements as ‘incorrect’ & ‘unnatural Characteristics of Ethno-Centrism

�American Exceptionalism: perception that US differs from other developed nations because of its unique origins, national credo, historical evolution, & distinctive political & religious institutions; belief that US is hope for humanity; moral superiority �Eurocentrism: emphasis on European culture & western world at the expense of other cultures; other cultures are inferior or even denied their existence as truly human Two Types of Ethno-centrism

�Ethnocentric views lead to stereotyping � Stereotype: generalizations about a group of people whereby we attribute a defined set of characteristics to this group; can be positive or negative Ethno-Centrism and Stereo-types

�Stereo-typing can lead to discrimination and marginalization of certain groups of people who are different from us. �What might some examples of this be? Stereotyping can lead to Discrimination