Negotiation of Czech Ethnic Identity through Folk Costume in the Midwest

Erin French,Kelly L Reddy Best

doi:10.31274/itaa.11870

Abstract

Folk costumes operate as a language to communicate distinctive group and individual identities such as ethnic identity, and previous researchers found that wearing folk costumes is one way that Czech ethnic identity is celebrated in the United States. Large numbers of Czechs emigrated to America in the 1870s-1920s, but eventually a generation was born that had no contact with immigrant ancestors. The purpose of our research was to examine what role folk costume plays in the negotiation of Czech ethnic identity and how meaning is constructed and communicated through Czech folk costumes. We conducted 12 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with the descendants of Czech immigrants in a previously unexplored Czech population of the Midwest. We identified three major themes: feelings of connectedness, sense of pride, and the importance of being authentic. Through our work, we contribute to the historical and cultural preservation and documentation of modern-day Czech traditions.

Highlights

A qualitative approach with in-depth, semi-structured interviews was utilized to achieve our purpose
The sample included 11 women and one man who lived in the Midwest, had Czech ancestors who immigrated to the United States in the late 19th century or early 20th century during the major waves of European immigration, and had participated in activities wearing a Czech folk costume at least once
After analysis of our data, we found that Czech folk costumes play a significant role in how our participants negotiated their Czech ethnic identities

Summary

Introduction

A qualitative approach with in-depth, semi-structured interviews was utilized to achieve our purpose. Participants shared photos of themselves wearing a Czech folk costume. Activities in the Czech community, Czech folk costumes, experiences with Czech costumes, meaning of the costumes, and how costumes connected participants to their ethnic identity.

Objectives

Results

Conclusion