In this essay, I intend to analyse Eriksen’s (2002) assertion that ethnicity is an aspect of a relationship, rather than a property of a group (2002:12), and do so in light of other relevant theories and issues in order to provide a critical discussion of the concept as a whole.
Since its introduction into the spectrum of anthropological discussion, the notion of ethnicity has been received with considerable debate and postulation. At a general level, however, it has been examined as an element closely related to, or even governing, broader areas such as cultural identity, nationalism, as well as individual and group identification.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Mitchell’s The Kalela Dance
3. Eriksen’s Components of Ethnicity
4. Ethnic Boundaries and Fredrik Barth
5. Instrumentalism vs. Primordialism
6. Haaland’s Ethnography of the Fur and Baggara
7. Conclusion
Objectives & Research Themes
This essay aims to critically analyze Thomas Hylland Eriksen’s assertion that ethnicity should be understood as a relational aspect rather than an inherent property of a group, testing this framework against established anthropological case studies.
- Critical evaluation of the anti-essentialist and relational view of ethnicity.
- Analysis of ethnic boundary maintenance and the significance of social interaction.
- Comparative examination of the Kalela dance, Pathan identity, and the Fur-Baggara relationship.
- Exploration of the debate between instrumentalist and primordialist perspectives.
- Assessment of how cultural symbols and economic pressures shape ethnic identification.
Excerpt from the Book
The Kalela Dance
To begin this discussion, I wish to introduce the first case study; Mitchell’s (1956) The Kalela Dance. This specific ethnography took place in the 1950s and focuses on the performance and meaning of the kalela dance for the Bisa, one of the numerous tribes found on the Copperbelt of Northern Rhodesia. It is explained that the kalela originates from a separate dance, the mbeni, which was popularised in the 1920s during the introduction of the European colonial influence into the country. As is also the case with the kalela, the mbeni dancers were assigned names such as “governor”, “major-general” and “colonel” (and other titles with European affiliation), which Mitchell proposes was an act of subtle resistance. He states, “[w]hatever form modern mbeni dances may take it is abundantly clear that these early dances were a sort of pantomime of the social structure of the local European community” (1956:11). As will be elaborated on, it is important to view Mitchell’s study of the kalela in light of the emergence of the mbeni dance, and the country’s political context from the 1920s onwards. In his description of the kalela dance itself, as well as of those who performed it, there are several specific features which are emphasised. Firstly, regarding the dancers, Mitchell explains that they were all men, and none of them had “white collar” jobs or lower professional posts, yet when they danced they dressed smartly in the style of the Europeans, who remained a prominent population within the Copperbelt. Secondly, he explains that the dance was accompanied with a song, most of the lyrics to which related to the ethnic diversity of the area. Importantly, the words also praise and venerate the Bisa people, whilst ridiculing many other nearby tribes. These features of the dance, as well as the significance of the ethnic diversity on the Copperbelt, are crucial to Mitchell’s analysis of the kalela, and subsequently, this discussion of ethnicity.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Presents the central thesis that ethnicity is an aspect of a relationship and introduces the intention to analyze this through three ethnographic case studies.
2. Mitchell’s The Kalela Dance: Discusses the Kalela dance as an ethnographic case study that highlights ethnic diversity and the use of European-style titles as a form of social resistance.
3. Eriksen’s Components of Ethnicity: Outlines Eriksen’s essential criteria for ethnicity, emphasizing the necessity of contact and the recognition of cultural difference.
4. Ethnic Boundaries and Fredrik Barth: Examines Fredrik Barth’s framework on boundary maintenance, focusing on the Pathan-Baluch border and the fluidity of ethnic identity.
5. Instrumentalism vs. Primordialism: Evaluates the academic debate regarding whether ethnic identity is shaped by political/functional needs or fixed, primordial origins.
6. Haaland’s Ethnography of the Fur and Baggara: Analyzes the economic relationship between the Fur and Baggara in Sudan, questioning when shifts in nomadic behavior translate into identity change.
7. Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings, confirming that while Eriksen’s relational theory is robust, the diversity of human social behavior defies a single universal definition.
Keywords
Ethnicity, Anthropology, Relational Theory, Social Identity, Fredrik Barth, Thomas Hylland Eriksen, Boundary Maintenance, Instrumentalism, Primordialism, Ethnography, Cultural Symbolism, Pathans, Bisa, Fur, Baggara.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core argument of this essay?
The essay argues that ethnicity is not an innate property of a group, but rather a dynamic aspect of social relationships, as suggested by Thomas Hylland Eriksen.
What are the primary case studies used?
The author uses Mitchell’s study of the Kalela dance, Barth’s research on Pathan identity, and Haaland’s work on the Fur and Baggara people of Sudan.
What is the primary objective of this work?
The objective is to provide a critical, in-depth discussion of current anthropological theories of ethnicity by testing them against ethnographic evidence.
Which scientific method is utilized?
The author utilizes a comparative ethnographic analysis, evaluating existing theories through the lens of specific historical and social field studies.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body explores the role of cultural symbols, the importance of ethnic boundaries, the debate between instrumentalist and primordialist views, and the impact of economic relations on identity.
How would you characterize this work with keywords?
Key themes include Ethnicity, Anthropology, Relational theory, Social identity, Boundary maintenance, and the debate between Instrumentalism and Primordialism.
How does the author define the "joking relationship" in the context of the Kalela dance?
The author, referencing Radcliffe-Brown and Mitchell, defines it as a mode of interaction that stabilizes social relations and mediates conflict between different ethnic groups.
How does Barth’s view on ethnic boundaries differ from more traditional, static views?
Barth argues that boundaries between groups are more important than the specific "cultural stuff" inside them, noting that these boundaries remain significant even when they are permeable.
- Quote paper
- Timothy McGlinchey (Author), 2015, Ethnicity. Aspect of a Relationship or Property of a Group?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/322773
