32 Questions
How does primordialism view ethnicity?
As something natural or organically formed over time
What is the absolutist position of primordialism mentioned in the text?
Each ethnic group is its own species
How does the text describe the idea of having 'no-ethnicity'?
Unacceptable, similar to having no gender
Why is ethnicity said to carry a lot of importance in guiding and interpreting human behavior?
It influences how individuals perceive themselves and others
What is one aspect that differentiates the theoretical schools of primordialism and instrumentalism?
Their stance on the persistence of ethnicity through time
Why do most modern scholars who consider themselves 'primordialists' not endorse the purist stance of primordialism?
Because the purist stance does not stand up to logical scrutiny
Which perspective attributes the practice of endogamy to a shared belief in the uniqueness of the group?
Socio-biological Perspective
Who suggested that all that is required for the existence of an ethnic group is intuitive conviction in the group's separate origin and evolution?
Walker Connor
What does Clifford Geertz attribute to the 'givens' of social existence?
Deep-rooted attachments
Who emphasized that unique descent claims are believed only if sufficient physical and cultural similarities exist within an ethnic group?
Pierre Van den Berghe
In the context of ethnicity, who proposed that attachments flow more from a sense of natural affinity than from social interactions?
Clifford Geertz
What does Walker Connor suggest is key to defining an ethnic group?
Intuitive conviction of separate origin
Which scholar described ethnic groups as populations bounded by the rule or practice of endogamy?
Pierre Van den Berghe
Why does Grosby argue that ethnic groups and nationalities exist?
Due to shared traditions of belief and action towards primordial objects.
How does instrumentalism view ethnic identities?
As primarily rational and serving material ends.
According to Geertz, why do people often engage in seemingly inexplicable acts for ethnicity?
Because of deep emotional ties to primordial objects.
Why did the Zionist Congress vehemently reject Theodor Herzl's 'Uganda project'?
Uganda had no prior spiritual or cultural connection to global Jewry.
What does Steven Grosby believe are the 'primordial objects' to which ethnic groups attach themselves?
Biological features and territorial location.
How does the elite perspective explain the formation of ethnic identity?
Based on the rational decision-making of the elites.
In the context of ethnicity, what does 'primordial' refer to?
Biological features and territorial location that are not easily altered.
What distinguishes instrumentalism from primordialism in understanding ethnic identities?
'Instrumentalism sees ethnic identities as political constructs while primordialism sees them as natural.'
'Elites and counter-elites within ethnic groups select aspects of the group’s culture, attach new value and meaning to them...' - Who proposed this view?
'Paul Brass.'
Why does Brass argue that ethnic identities cannot be created out of nothing?
There needs to be a pre-existing artefact to build on or revive.
In the context of Hobsbawm's work, what does 'invented traditions' refer to?
Symbolic nature practices used to inculcate certain values.
What is the key difference between the elitist perspective and the social-engineering perspective regarding ethnicity formation?
The elitist perspective focuses on systematic and official processes.
Why does Hobsbawm's concept of 'invented traditions' help in understanding the formation and persistence of ethnic identities?
'Invented traditions' imply continuity with the past.
How does Gellner contrast national cultures with pre-nation-state cultures?
National cultures are wild varieties while pre-nation-state cultures are cultivated.
What does Brass suggest about the role of elites in formulating a group's ethnic identity?
Elites draw on existing artefacts to formulate ethnic identities.
Why do some symbols strike a deeper chord with the masses according to the text?
'Invented traditions' ensure symbols have historical roots for legitimacy.
'The monopoly of legitimate education is now more important, more central than the monopoly of legitimate violence' in Gellner's context implies what about modern identity formation?
Education plays a crucial role in shaping modern identity and culture.
'Ethnic identities cannot be created out of nothing' implies what about the nature of ethnic identity formation?
'Ethnic identities must have a historical foundation.'
'Invented traditions' seek to inculcate certain values through repetition, implying what about their purpose?
'Invented traditions' aim to maintain continuity with the past.
Explore the complex connections between ethnicity, identity, and cultural values through a thought-provoking text discussing people's attitudes and behaviors towards their ethnic background. Reflect on Geertz's perspective and consider the implications of individuals changing languages or religions on their sense of belonging.
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