An Empirical Study of Multidimensional Ethnic Change

Abstract

This study provides empirical evidence to support the view that ethnic change is a multidimensional process. Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis conducted on measures of several French Canadian (FC) ethnicity facets, it identifies ethnic affiliation and acculturative tendency as two key dimensions of ethnic change experienced by French Canadians in their contacts with English Canadians. The ethnic affiliation dimension was indicated by measures of FC social interaction, FC family, FC self-identification, and attachment to FC culture, whereas the acculturative tendency dimension was indicated by measures of attachment to English Canadian (EC) culture, attitude toward cultural exchange, and EC social interaction. These two dimensions are subsequently used to develop a typology of French Canadian ethnic orientation. Findings provide support for the ethnic pluralism or multiculturalism perspective in describing ethnic change.