Chapter Overview

To say there is ethnic diversity in a nation is to say there are different cultures, or cultural traditions, within it. The global scale of modern migration introduces unparalleled ethnic variety to host nations. "Ethnic group" describes a particular culture in a nation or region that contains others. Ethnicity is based on cultural similarities (among members of the same ethnic group) and differences (between that group and others). Ethnic distinctions can arise from language, religion, history, geography, kinship, or "race." A race is an ethnic group assumed to have a biological basis.

Because of migration, conquest, and colonialism, most nation-states are not ethnically homogeneous. Assimilation is a process an ethnic group may experience when it moves to a country where another culture dominates. By assimilating, the minority adopts the patterns and norms of its host culture. Multiculturalism contrasts with assimilation, in which minorities are expected to abandon their cultural traditions. A multicultural society socializes individuals not only into the dominant (national) culture but also into an ethnic culture.

Ethnicity can be expressed in peaceful multiculturalism, or in discrimination or violent confrontation. Ethnic conflict often arises in relation to prejudice (attitudes and judgements) or discrimination (action). A dominant group may try to destroy certain ethnic practices (ethnocide). Or it may attempt to force ethnic group members to adopt the dominant culture (forced assimilation).