Ethnic Identity Research Articles

Ethno-Graphics: Folklore and Baltic Printmaking in the Period of Late Socialism

Visual representations of folklore and mythology played an ambivalent role in Baltic art and society during late socialism. On the one hand, it was often a safe choice promoted by Soviet national cultural policy; on the other, artwork tapping into national and ethnic identities carried a subversive, anti-Soviet potential. Exploring folkloric themes, Baltic artists of the 1970s developed different strategies to navigate the cultural field between Soviet censorship, folklore revival, modern forms of expression, and resistance to sovietisation in their home countries. The renowned Estonian printmaker Kaljo Põllu (1934–2010) created a powerful fusion of ethnographic research and creative practice to re-imagine Finno-Ugric mythology and build an alternative foundation for Estonian identity. Latvian printmaker Dzidra Ezergaile (1926–2013) laid the groundwork for an ethno- and eco-critical approach towards Soviet modernisation through a novel visual exploration of Latvian folklore motifs. Finally, Lithuanian illustrator and monumental painter Birute Žilytė (b. 1930) revolutionised Lithuanian childhood imagery, providing Lithuanian folklore and myths with bright and brave contemporary forms. A postcolonial reading of Baltic printmaking during late socialism generates an interpretive grid for understanding the role of folklore and folklorism within broader cultural trends and political dispositions. A combination of folklore studies and art history might efficiently contribute also to gender studies and environmental humanities.

Ethnic identification of children of new immigrants in Taiwan: the roles of the immediate environment and government policy

Ethnic identification of children of new immigrants in Taiwan: the roles of the immediate environment and government policy

Identity in the Postmodern Psychosocial Context: A Study of Nicola Yoon’s The Sun Is Also a Star

This textual analysis of Nicola Yoon’s novel, The Sun Is Also a Star theorises the contentious issue of the transcultural identity of teenage immigrants in the postmodern psychosocial context. The study contributes to the heated discussion on identity formation in biracial and diasporic young adult literature by using Erikson’s concepts of psychosocial relativity, identity formation and identity crisis, and Jean Baudrillard’s concepts on postmodern identity. This article contends that in an effort to maintain one ethnic identity by erasing her previous Jamaican identity in Trump’s era in the United States, the protagonist Natasha experiences anti-Black racism, discrimination, and biracial identity formation. Conversely, another character in the novel, Daniel relishes dynamic identities to fit in the USA. However, his biracial identity results in an identity crisis. Thus, Yoon’s novel validates a postmodern condition, where teenagers’ multiple identities are regulated on the basis of ethnicity and their struggle for independent identities remains futile. Hence, the study shows that the USAdoes not allow biracial people to experience or adapt to Americanness easily. Keywords: adolescence; cultural identity; identity crisis; psychosocialrelativity; postmodernism

Ethnic and religious identities of Chinese-Kristen/Katolik schoolgirls in a high school setting: An ethnolinguistic case study

Ethnic and religious identities of Chinese-Kristen/Katolik schoolgirls in a high school setting: An ethnolinguistic case study

‘De los famossos hechos de los yndios cañares y de sus privilegios’: Don Pedro Purqui and the Early Modern Andean Chronicle by Martín de Murua

The article considers the background and interests of don Pedro Purqui of Cañari descent in the late sixteenth century in Cuzco, Peru. Purqui made distinct interventions in an Inca-centric history project and, more broadly, as an Indigenous leader and intellectual in colonial Cuzco’s heterogenous and multivocal ‘lettered city’. His literary efforts contributed to the conceptualization of Cañari social memory as part of a larger process of ethnogenesis during the early modern period. The case study examines legal and chronicle records in juxtaposition with the Galvin Murua (1590-1596), compiled by the Basque Mercedarian friar, Martín de Murua. Purqui’s strategic efforts aimed to defend and promote the Cañari’s privileged but precarious status of nobility and heritage in an emergent and contested colonial context. The analysis demonstrates that the seeming contradictions of the Cañari, locally in Cuzco and regionally in the Andes, involved multivalent, complementary elements in iteratively conceived ethnic identity and social memory.

Examining Cultural Heritage preservation through popular musical arts in Sunny Ade's Ògún

This study examined Sunny Ade's song titled 'Ogun' with the aim of analyzing its lyrical message in comparison with the conventional view of the Yorùbá people. Historically, popular musicians in south west Nigeria focused their songs towards good morals, societal norm, peace, current affairs, love, money, and entertainment. However, some musicians recorded songs eulogizing Yorùbá deities for various reasons which benefited such musicians and members of the society. Admirers of such musicians still enjoy the recorded songs and kept it as an archive of values. Findings showed that, some of these songs contributed to ethnic identity, good morals and low in crime rate in those days. This study provided analysis of the song with its musical scores documented for musicologists and other concerned scholars. This study is historical and relied on discography, observation and bibliographical style for data collection. Adopted theory for this study is the Theory of Change and Continuity.

Influence of type of residence on social and psychological features of ethnic identity of residents of border regions

Influence of type of residence on social and psychological features of ethnic identity of residents of border regions

Constructing ethnic consciousness: the role of cultural heritage in Malaysia

ABSTRACT The Chinese community’s unique position in Malaysian inter-ethnic relations weaves through intricate interactions with other ethnic groups, maintaining distinct cultural identities amidst Malaysia’s diverse ethnic fabric. This study explores the intricate relationship between ethnic consciousness and cultural heritage among Malaysian Chinese people, examining, within a historical context, how this community maintains its distinct identity within a multi-ethnic society. Utilizing focus group discussions (FGDs) with Chinese independent schools (CIS) students, the study delves into their identity perceptions, influenced by both “authority-defined” and “everyday-defined” social realities. The findings reveal how cultural heritage, particularly through lion dance activities, reinforces ethnic consciousness while contributing to a broader national identity. This study elucidates the complex dynamics of ethnic identity formation in a multicultural context and advocates for an inclusive heritage management. Such an approach fosters dialogue, respects diversity, and enhances our understanding of the role of heritage in shaping a cohesive, multicultural society.

Towards the Politics of Difference: Mobility and Ethnic Identity in Richard Ford’s Bascombe Novels

Mobility holds profound ethnic, class, and cultural significance in the fiction of the contemporary American writer Richard Ford. Through an analysis of his representative works, including Independence Day, The Lay of the Land and Let Me Be Frank with You, it becomes evident that Ford portrays the “negative mobility” of African Americans under spatial isolation, the transnational mobility of a Chinese immigrant, and the upward social mobility of both groups. In doing so, Ford illuminates disparities in mobility rights, routes, and friction among different ethnic groups, while also revealing shifts in their social status, values, and sense of identity. Furthermore, Ford reflects upon the social reality wherein ethnic minority groups encounter othering and marginalization upon integration into mainstream American society. This exposure lays bare the widespread systemic racial discrimination and deficiencies within the American political and economic system. Additionally, Ford’s depiction of upward social mobility among ethnic minorities underscores the effectiveness of the politics of difference as a means to resist authority and construct ethnic identity. Focusing on the mobility of ethnic minorities deepens our understanding of the survival dilemma and identity crisis faced by them.

Chinese Muslims and Their Non-Muslim Families on Muamalat Fiqh Co-Existence (Ta’ayush)

Chinese Muslim converts in Malaysia often face dual rejection, viewed as traitors by their Chinese families and as outsiders by the Muslim communities. This study examines how these individuals navigate family conflicts while balancing their religious beliefs with Chinese Cultural heritage. Through qualitative semi structured interviews with 15 Chinese Muslims, three key findings emerged. Firstly, the Chinese Muslims feel disconnected from their Chinese original community due to their new identity, Secondly, they strive to preserve their Chinese cultural heritage while embracing their Muslim identity. Thirdly, they constantly negotiate their ethnic and religious identities especially with their non-Muslim families. Despite these challenges, the Chinese Muslims play a vital role as cultural bridges fostering understanding between the Muslim and non-Muslim communities. This implication is significant as their efforts align with the Islamic concept of Figh al ta’Ayush (peaceful co-existence), contributing to social harmony. This study concludes that Chinese Muslims while facing identity issues, significantly contribute to intercommunal understanding. Future studies could explore Chinese Muslim parents’ perception of Islam and their reasons for rejecting their children's conversion, proving further insights into these complex cultural dynamics.

Ethnic diversity and electoral democracy in Sudan before and after the Arab spring

ABSTRACT This study investigates the impact of ethnic diversity on electoral democracy in Sudan, a nation grappling with ethnic, sectarian, and regional identity politics. Using a mixed-method approach, the study employs Time Series analysis from 1990 to 2019, followed by theoretical analysis to explore the relationship between ethnic diversity and electoral democracy. The framework of this study draws from relevant studies on this nexus, incorporating factors such as racial/ethnic voting motivations, corruption, institutional dynamics, conflict, and individual income. The study bridges a gap in the existing literature by providing insights into the mechanisms through which ethnic identities shape democratisation processes in the African region. The findings reveal an influence of ethnic diversity on electoral democracy, as evidenced by factors such as violent conflicts, political institutions, and economic inequality. Additionally, the study delves into contemporary implications of ethnic dynamics on democratic processes, particularly examining the military confrontations between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) since April 2023. The practical implications of this study lie in developing effective strategies to mitigate the political repercussions of ethnicity, thereby fostering a peaceful democratic transition. Therefore, the findings may not be readily applicable to other regions or nations with distinct historical, cultural, or geopolitical contexts that might influence the interplay between ethnic diversity and electoral democracy differently.

Associations between vicarious racism and psychoactive substance use depend on strength of ethnic identity

Racism is a pervasive threat to health with differential impact based on race and ethnicity. Considering the continued perpetration and visibility of racism online and in the news, vicarious racism, or “secondhand” racism when hearing about or witnessing racism being committed against members of one’s ethnic or racial group, is a particularly urgent threat in the context of such disparities and their subsequent health consequences. The current study examines if frequency of exposure to vicarious racism and the emotional impact of those experiences are linked to psychoactive substance use, and explores the role of ethnic identity in moderating these relationships. In a cross-sectional survey, 504 adult participants aged 18–78 (M age = 30.15, SD = 11.52, 52.6% female) identifying as Black/African American or Latine reported on their experiences with vicarious racism and alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco use over the past 30 days. Logistic regression was utilized to test hypotheses. Primary findings indicate that greater emotional impact of vicarious racism was associated with a 50% increase in odds of alcohol consumption and that ethnic identity moderated the association between vicarious racism and marijuana use. Greater emotional impact of vicarious racism was related to more marijuana use for those lower on ethnic identity, whereas there was no association for those higher on ethnic identity. Vicarious racism was not related to tobacco use. Results suggest that ethnic identity might be protective in the association of vicarious racism on substance use. Further research on this topic is needed as vicarious racism becomes an increasingly common experience among marginalized populations.

An ethnographic study of Vietnamese-Ukrainian identity

ABSTRACT Vietnamese Ukrainians are a largely unstudied identity group that has recently attracted attention due to the impacts of the Russo-Ukrainian War. Our study examines Vietnamese-Ukrainian bicultural identity as experienced by 10 university student refugees of the war in 2022–23. Researchers conducted semi-structured ethnographic interviews in which each participant examined identity formation experiences as second-generation Vietnamese Ukrainians. Participants also reflected upon the impacts to ethnic identity self-awareness that resulted from their unexpected return migration to Vietnam as student refugees of war. The cohort of study participants created a tight-knit Vietnamese-Ukrainian return diaspora in an environment conducive to self-reflection and exploration of their ongoing ethnic identity journeys. In our study, we argue that the ethnic identity formation of young Vietnamese Ukrainians relies on the active construction of intercultural personhood as an adaptation to transnational mobility and change.

Are gaps in rates of retention on buprenorphine for treatment of opioid use disorder closing among veterans across different races and ethnicities? A retrospective cohort study

IntroductionThe U.S. Veterans Health Administration has undertaken several initiatives to improve veterans' access to and retention on buprenorphine because it prevents overdose and reduces drug-related morbidity. We aimed to determine whether improvements in retention duration over time was equitable across veterans of different races and ethnicities. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted among veterans who initiated buprenorphine from federal fiscal years (FY) 2006 to 2020 after diagnosis of opioid use disorder. Using an accelerated failure time model, we estimated the association between time to buprenorphine discontinuation and FY of initiation, race and ethnicity, and other control covariates. We followed veterans from buprenorphine initiation until they discontinued or had a censoring event. We then estimated the predicted median days retained on buprenorphine, the average marginal effect of initiating in a later FY, the same measure by race and ethnicity, the incremental effect of the various racial and ethnic identities in contrast to non-Hispanic White, and the total change in the size of the gap over the 15 years of the study between veterans with a minoritized racial or ethnic identity compared to non-Hispanic White veterans. ResultsMost of the 31,797 veterans in the sample were non-Hispanic White (74.5 %), from urban areas (83.5 %), male (92.0 %), and had significant comorbidities, most frequently anxiety disorders (51.0 %) and depression (63.0 %). Overall, 49.8 % of veterans were retained at least 180 days. The average marginal effect of FY was 7.0 days [95%CI:5.3, 8.8] but was significantly smaller among veterans identifying as Black or African American [3.2 days; 95%CI:2.4, 4.1] or Asian [3.6 days; 95%CI:1.6, 5.7] compared to veterans who identify as non-Hispanic White [7.9 days; 95%CI:5.9, 9.9]. Additional measures of change were significant for veterans identifying as Hispanic White or with two or more races. ConclusionAlthough buprenorphine retention in OUD treatment improved for all veterans over the 15-year study period, veterans from most minoritized racial and ethnic groups fell further behind as gains in duration on therapy accrued primarily to non-Hispanic White veterans. Targeted interventions addressing specific challenges experienced by veterans with minoritized identities are needed to close gaps in retention on buprenorphine.

Racial and ethnic disparities in reception of muscle flap closure during oncologic spinal surgery

BackgroundRacial disparities persist in surgical outcomes after spine surgery for primary and metastatic cancers. Muscle flap closure of spinal defects after oncologic resection has been shown to reduce wound complication rate with favorable cost-effectiveness. It is currently unknown whether racial disparities may affect the reception of this treatment. MethodsSpinal surgery procedures for tumor resection and subsequent reconstruction were identified in the 2011-2022 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program databases. Cases were propensity score matched for covariates like age, comorbidities, number of vertebral levels reconstructed, and length of stay to isolate the predictive impact of race on reception of muscle flap closure (p<0.05). Results9,467 patients that underwent oncologic spine surgery and had known race and ethnicity were identified in the final cohort. Two hundred thirty-two (2.5%) cases included muscle flap closure during the index surgery. After matching (n=4,196), minority race/ethnicity was associated with lower rates of muscle flap closure (2.2%) than non-Hispanic White race/ethnicity (3.8%) (p=0.0037). Upon weighted univariate logistic regression, minority racial and ethnic identification also predicted lower likelihood of muscle flap closure (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.52-0.63, p<0.001). Among patients who received muscle flap closure, overall rate of all, major, or minor thirty-day postoperative complications were not different depending on race and ethnicity (p>0.05). ConclusionThere are evident racial disparities in the reception of muscle flap closure after oncologic spine surgery. Further work may investigate the role of intersecting socioeconomic factors like insurance status and hospital characteristics. LAY SUMMARYMuscle flap closure is a surgical technique within plastic surgery that has been associated with lower rates of complications after spine surgery to remove tumors. Our study shows that minority racial and ethnic groups are less likely on average to receive muscle flap closure. Data availability statementThe data that support the findings of this study are publicly available.

Linguistic landscape as a tool of identity negotiation: The case of the Nepali ethnic communities in West Bengal

Ethnic identity is dynamic and hence mutable concerning time and place. It is a social construction that involves society and its actors. Ethnic identity as a social construction is not free from the negotiation process. Such negotiations occur through various tools, the linguistic landscape being one of them. Despite the plethora of literature on identity negotiation in a multicultural and multilingual context, the linguistic landscape has not been sufficiently explored, especially considering it a tool in the ethnic identity negotiation process. Thus, how an ethnic community negotiates identity through linguistic landscape has been the major quest of the research. Therefore, the research tries to empirically examine the process of identity negotiation among the Nepali ethnic communities of Siliguri in the Darjeeling district of the state of West Bengal, India. 60 shop signs of the Nepali ethnic communities were photographed, applying the photographic data collection method. Unstructured interviews with each Nepali shop owner (ethnic sign producer) were also conducted. Photographic data were analyzed semiotically, and thematic and narrative analysis methods were adopted to interpret the interview data. In general, a mixed-method approach was used to analyze the data. The findings suggest that ethnic members symbolically ethnicize their shop signs to negotiate identity. The study shows how LL can be a tool of ethnic identity politics in India. The study signifies how ethnic communities assert identity through LL signage and how LL acts as an effective tool for identity negotiation in contemporary multicultural and multilingual Indian society. Also, this study contends that ethnicity is a relevant aspect of contemporary society and a political resource to ethnic communities.

The role of the media in the formation of national (ethnic) identity

The public beliefs are formed under the significant influence of the media. Such an influence can have both positive consequences, in particular, strengthened national identity, and negative consequences — the sowing of enmity, doubts, the destruction of authority. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyze the role of the media in the formation of national identity in terms of three components: the provision of information by the media, the reaction of citizens and state initiatives. The study employed statistical analysis, survey results, correlation analysis, and content analysis. The current state of the national (ethnic) identity of Ukrainians was described in the research, its significant growth during the period of independence (up to 84.6% in 2022) was noted. The role of the media in the formation of national identity was analysed according to the three identified vectors of influence. The academic novelty of this study is the approach to analysing the role of the media in the formation of national identity in terms of three components: information provided by the media; citizens’ reaction to this information; state initiatives that mediate the relationship between the media and society.

‘Urban, modern and Islamic’: The politics of muslim Men's fashion in Malaysia

This article focuses on the cultural politics of contemporary urban Muslim men's fashion in Malaysia. By looking at the debates surrounding these Muslim men's fashion trends and based on my observation in Muslim men's fashion boutiques and other urban spaces, this article explores how masculinity, ethnicity and Islam implicate each other. Most Malay Muslim men wear baju Melayu (traditional Malay clothing) during the festive seasons. However, there have been evolving trends in Malay men's fashion. The jubah (a long Arabic robe) and kurta (a long upper garment which many South Asians wear) have become popular, especially among segments of young Muslim men in urban Malaysia. The popularity of jubah a decade ago prompted some observers to worry about an ‘Arabisation’ or the perceived growth of Islamic conservatism. However, as I observe, the jubah in Malaysian fashion industries has been adapted to the local taste and fashion trends; hence, it is a modern and creative adaptation of ‘Arabness’ instead of a form of sweeping ‘Arabisation’. Since 2018, there has been a trend of wearing tanjak (traditional Malay headgear) to assert Malay political power and cultural identity. From modern appropriation of ‘Arabness’ to the contemporary reinvention of traditional Malay costume, urban Malay Muslim men's aesthetic expressions reveal the mediation of religious and ethnic identities amidst rapid urbanisation and socio-political change in contemporary Malaysia. How should an ideal Malay Muslim man dress? This debate reveals the politics of different versions of Islamic piety and Malay identity in Malaysia today.

The making of the “transitional generation”: language politics, writing diaspora and strategic integration of Chinese students in post-war Australia

PurposeThis article explores the overlooked experiences of Chinese students in Australia from the White Australia Policy era to the post-war period. It argues that the emerging post-war transitional generation faced racial discrimination and geopolitical challenges, leading to the establishment of student societies and collaborations with religious groups and NGOs. Through writing and publishing in the 1950s and 1960s, they challenged rigid ethnic identities, shaping their ethnic identities, national belonging, language practices, and community involvement amidst historical contexts. Their narratives vividly depict a generational awakening, highlighting complex processes of integration and acculturation into a new societal landscape.Design/methodology/approachThis paper employs historical discourse analysis using Chinese student magazines and bilingual archives to explore language and identity evolution among Chinese students in 1950s’ and 1960s’ Australia. It contextualizes ethnic, cultural, and linguistic identity transformations and examines how language politics and diaspora writings shaped integration strategies. The study highlights education and language politics' transformative roles in redefining cultural belonging and fostering community cohesion within the diaspora amid shifting socio-political contexts.FindingsThe findings of this study reveal that the concept of the “transitional generation” highlights integration as a dynamic process involving ongoing dialogue, identity negotiation through language, and the redefinition of cultural boundaries. Through analysis of three student-centered magazines – Murhun, Asiana and East Wind – it becomes evident how Chinese students in Australia navigated ethnic, cultural and linguistic identities. Murhun used bilingual content to strengthen solidarity and political engagement among Chinese readers, while Asiana employed English to connect Asian students with Australian society and globally. East Wind facilitated a diverse expression of identity, challenging singular notions of “Chineseness” and promoting cultural integration. These insights reflect a transformative period where Chinese students reshaped their historical position, fostering autonomy and challenging stereotypes like “Yellow Perils”.Originality/valueThis paper examines the often-overlooked experiences of post-war Chinese students in Australia, emphasizing their profound influence on immigration history and shifting public perceptions of Asian immigrants. It introduces the concept of the “transitional generation” to address research gaps and highlight the nuanced complexities of integration, respecting the diverse experiences and identities within this dynamic student community. Emphasizing dynamic negotiation and shared experiences, the study underscores how Australia’s diverse Asian communities have transformative potential. Integration extends beyond adaptation, fostering inclusive spaces for identity negotiation, thriving NGOs and enriching Australia’s social fabric with resilience, diversity and cultural vibrancy.

Using structural topic modeling to understand ethnicity-related narratives.

Narrative identity is a promising approach for understanding the content of individuals' ethnic identities but can be limited by the time-intensive nature of human coding and the reliance on preestablished coding systems. The aim of our preregistered study is to elucidate the content of individuals' ethnicity-related experiences using a novel statistical approach. We applied structural topic modeling (STM), a natural language processing tool, to narratives written by an ethnically diverse sample of 1149 young adults about a moment they felt aware of their ethnicity. We identified 14 topics within ethnicity narratives and analyzed how each topic related to both the participant's ethnicity and the human-coded themes of agency and communion. For example, the topic Gained perspective of structural inequality was associated with greater agency, whereas Peer dynamics was associated with greater communion. Ethnic/cultural celebration was associated with both. This study introduces STM as a useful tool for extracting topic content in narrative data and demonstrates how the multi-method assessment of ethnicity narratives provides greater insight into the content of ethnic experiences. These findings contribute to our understanding of contextualized aspects of personality, including the innovative ways we might examine them.