Ethnic Movements

Abstract

Organized by groups whose distinctiveness is based on national origin, culture, language, religion, territory, race, or phenotype, ethnic movements are enacted with the purpose of promoting or resisting social change. Ethnic groups express grievances or claims on behalf of the larger collective through organized efforts directed at institutions, political elites, or other ethnic groups. The target of an ethnic movement can vary depending upon its goals, which include improving the status of minority groups, influencing policy, or demanding independence. Like other social movements, ethnic movements are enacted, in part, outside of institutional channels and may threaten the status quo. While many ethnic movements are peaceful, those associated with secessionist and separatist movements may engage in ethnic violence. No matter what tactics and strategies are used, the emergence of ethnic movements within multi‐ethnic states – the vast majority of countries around the world – presents a challenge to democratic nations and civil societies.