Page 286 - Essencials of Sociology

Ethnic Work

Explorations in Cultural Identity
Ethnic work refers to the ways that people establish, maintain, and transmit
their ethnic identity. As shown here, among the techniques people use to
forge ties with their roots are dress, dance, and music.

Many African Americans are trying to get in closer
contact with their roots. To do this, some use musical
performances. This photo was taken in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.

As some groups do ethnic work, they pro-
duce a mythical long-lost heritage, as in this
photo of “1500s Spanish” that I took in
St. Augustine, Florida.

Many European
Americans are involved
in ethnic work, attempting
to maintain an identity
more precise than “from
Europe.” These women
of Czech ancestry are
performing for a Czech
community in a small
town in Nebraska.

The Cinco de Mayo
celebration is used to
recall roots and renew
ethnic identities. This
one was held in Los
Angeles, California.

Many Native Americans have maintained continuous
identity with their tribal roots. You can see the
blending of cultures in this photo taken at the March
Pow Wow in Denver, Colorado.