Although the term "ethnicity" is recent, the sense of kinship, group solidarity, and common culture to which it refers is as old as the historical record. Ethnic communities have been present in every period and on every continent, and have played an important role in all societies. The sense of a common ethnicity remains a major focus of identification for individuals even today. Ethnic community and identity are also often associated with conflict, particularly with political struggles in various parts of the world. Yet there is no essential connection between ethnicity and conflict, and in many instances, relations may in fact be peaceful and cooperative. This Oxford Reader offers explanations for the often contentious nature of ethnicity, its worldwide effects, and the possible means for overcoming conflicts. It includes extracts by all the major contributors to debates on ethnicity, including Weber, Brass, Hechter, and Horowitz, and focuses on ethnic groups in the Middle East, the Balkans, Africa, and North America, as well as other areas.
Excellent textbook with well selected texts and good structure. Very useful for introductory lectures in ethnicity and ethnic identity. Helps to spare a lot of time in finding important texts. Certainly one of the best introductory books for the area.
Amazingly Helpful
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
This book was an amazing aide in the writing of my research paper. It was great to get the ideas and point of view of som many different anthropologists.
Ethnicity
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
Ethnicity by Anothony SMith is amazing. He is a wonderful professor, scholar and author. His other books are more detailed than this one, but overall there is no one who can compare to him when it comes to the topic of Nationalism.
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