Ethnic Identity

Ethnicity is a key dimension of identity, encompassing shared cultural heritage, language, religion, customs, and a sense of common ancestry. Sociologists study how ethnic identities are constructed, experienced, and contested — examining the tension between fixed, essentialist understandings of ethnicity and more fluid, hybrid approaches. This lesson draws on the work of Paul Gilroy, Stuart Hall, Tariq Modood, and others.

Key Definition: Ethnic identity refers to an individual's identification with a particular ethnic group, based on shared cultural characteristics such as language, religion, customs, ancestry, and history.

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What is Ethnicity?

Ethnicity differs from race:

Concept	Definition	Basis
Race	A system of social categorisation based on perceived physical differences (skin colour, facial features)	Biological appearance (but the categories are socially constructed)
Ethnicity	A shared cultural identity based on common heritage, language, religion, customs, and values	Cultural practice and identification