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Ethnic re-identification: Lithuanian Americans and Native Americans.
- Source :
-
Journal of Ethnic & Migration Studies . Apr2002, Vol. 28 Issue 2, p275-289. 15p. - Publication Year :
- 2002
-
Abstract
- This paper compares recent resurgences of racial/ethnic identity among Lithuanian Americans and Native Americans in the United States, and examines the phenomenon of 'ethnic re-identification', defined as the adoption of an ethnic identity after a period of non-identification. This comparison of two very different groups – one a racial category comprised of a variety of diverse indigenous groups, the other a white ethnic ancestry category with some, but relatively much less internal differentiation – provides us with an opportunity to identify several general processes shaping ethnic re-identification. Similarities in patterns of ethnic re-identification in these two groups suggest that ethnic re-identification tends to occur within particular historical epochs, for example the US civil rights era and the disintegration of the Soviet Union; often involves specific symbolic moments, such as the occupation of Alcatraz Island or the Lithuanian declaration of independence; and tends to be bolstered by various forms of individual and collective ethnic action such as visits to ethnic homelands – whether countries or reservations – or protest activism. Ethnic re-identification can both strengthen and weaken ethnic group solidarity: it is strengthened by the cultural renewal activities and inflow of resources generated by re-identifying group members; but is weakened by debates about ethnic authenticity and group boundaries that result from the influx of new, often non-traditional members and the transformation of traditional practices and institutions that accompanies cultural renewal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- *ETHNICITY
*NATIVE Americans
*LITHUANIAN Americans
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1369183X
- Volume :
- 28
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Journal of Ethnic & Migration Studies
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 6672639
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1080/13691830220124332