All residents of our great planet very different: for example, the Mountaineers are nothing like the islanders.Even within one nation or country can exist certain ethnic groups differ in their cultures and traditions.In fact, the ethnic group - is part of the ethnic group, a kind of community that emerged historically in a particular area.Consider this question in more detail.
history and origin of the term
Today ethnic group - it is an important object of study for the sciences such as history, geography, population, culture.Social psychologists study the issue with a view to preventing and resolving various ethnic conflicts.What is the origin of the term?
very interesting etymology of the word "ethnicity".With the Greek language can be translated as "not Greek."That is, in fact, "ethnicity" - a stranger, a foreigner.The ancient Greeks used the term to refer to various tribes are not of Greek origin.But they called themselves the other, no less famous words - "demos", which means "people".Later, the term has migrated in the Latin language, which appeared, and the adjective "ethnic".In the Middle Ages it was used actively in the religious sense, as a synonym for the word "non-Christian", "pagan."
Today "ethnicity" was purely scientific term that refers to all kinds of ethnic groups.Science that deals with the study of them is called ethnography.
ethnic group - is ...
What is the meaning of this term?And what are its characteristics and distinctive features?
Ethnic group - a stable community of people, which was formed in a certain area and has its own distinctive characteristics.Criteria for such a group will be discussed later.
In science, the term is often equated with concepts such as "ethnicity", "ethnic identity", "nation".But in the legal field and he did not - there he is often replaced by the term "peoples" and "national minority".The lack of clear definitions of these concepts is a major scientific challenge.Many scientists believe that each of them is hiding a particular phenomenon, so it is impossible to identify them.The definition of "ethnic group" Soviet researchers often abused categories of sociology and Western - psychology.
Western scientists have identified two very important features of ethnic groups:
- firstly, they do not have their own state;
- secondly, with its history, ethnic groups are not active and important historical subjects.
Structure ethnic group
All existing ethnic groups have approximately the same structure, which consists of three main parts:
- core of an ethnic group, which is characterized by compact living in a particular area.
- Peripherals - is part of a group that is geographically separate from the core.
- Diaspora - this is the part of the population that is geographically dispersed, including, it may take territory of other ethnic communities.
main ethnic communities
There are several grounds on which a particular person can be attributed to a particular ethnic group.It is noteworthy that these characteristics are themselves members of the community consider themselves important, they are the basis of their identity.
Here are the main ethnic groups:
- related by blood and marriage (this feature is already considered somewhat outdated);
- general history of the origin and development;
- territorial basis, that is binding to a specific area, the territory;
- common language;
- their cultural characteristics and traditions.
main types of ethnic groups
Today, there are several classifications of ethnic groups and ethnic communities: geographical, linguistic, anthropological, cultural and economic.
ethnic groups include the following types (levels):
- Rod - not that other, as a close community of blood relatives.
- tribe - a few genera, which are linked by common traditions, religion, cult or common dialect.
- Nationalism - is a particular ethnic group, which was formed historically and unified with one language, culture, faith, and common territory.
- nation - is the highest form of ethnic community, which is characterized by common territory, language, culture and development of economic ties.
Ethnic consciousness
important indicator of the level of formation of social ethnic groups, particularly the nation, is ethnic identity.This term is one of the basic psychology of groups under consideration.
Ethnic identity - a sense of a particular individual to a particular ethnic group, ethnic group, nation.This person must be aware of its unity with this community and understand the qualitative differences between the ethnic groups and other groups.
for formation of ethnic consciousness is very important to the study of history in favor of his people, as well as cultural sensitivity, folklore and traditions that are passed down from generation to generation, a thorough knowledge of their language and literature.
In conclusion ...
Thus, ethnic social groups - this is quite an interesting phenomenon, and a separate object of research.By studying individual community, we not only learn about their cultural or historical features, but also to cultivate tolerance, tolerance and respect for other ethnicities and cultures.Ultimately, understanding and respect for the features of other ethnic groups leads to a significant reduction of ethnic disputes, conflicts and wars.
