Ethnicity, Identity, and Religion

Religion and Ethnic Identity

Defining Ethnicity: For many, faith is the primary identifier to their ethnic group (e.g., Jewish identity amidst anti-Semitism, Muslim identity uniting nationalities).
Religious Observances: Religions provide codes of behavior, dietary restrictions, and dress codes that make followers instantly recognizable and help define ethnic lines.
- Diet Examples: Buddhism (vegetarian), Eastern Orthodox (fasting, beef/fish restrictions), Islam (pork/shellfish/alcohol prohibited, Halal), Judaism (Kosher), Protestantism (few restrictions), Roman Catholicism (meat restricted on certain days, fasting).
- Dress Examples: Islamic dress (Burqa, Niqab, Chador, al-Amira, Hijab) indicates religious and often ethnic identity.

Strict Guidelines: Religions with strict guidelines on dress, food, and behavior often form ethnic groups where religion is a core identity component.
Evangelism: Highly evangelical religions (Islam, Christianity) absorb diverse cultural groups. Non-evangelical religions (Judaism) remain culturally homogenous.
Sectarianism: Hostility and conflict within the same religion, driven by anger over perceived misinterpretations of faith (e.g., Sunni vs. Shia Islam, Protestant vs. Catholic divisions). This can be more emotionally charged than conflicts between different religions.

Persistent Boundaries: Ethnic boundaries (e.g., Protestants/Catholics in Northern Ireland) can persist even among people of the same religion, especially when differences are necessary for boundary maintenance.
Nation-State Formation: Assumption that religion and ethnicity are separable, but shared religion does not always eliminate ethnic conflict (e.g., Pakistan's formation, Northern Ireland's political-religious divide).

Why we group: Humans are sociable beings who seek comfort, support, and familiarity, initially within family units and then with people of similar background.
Dunbar's Number: An ideal maximum group size of approximately 150 people for maintaining stable social relationships and close connections. Exceeding this number leads to a decrease in meaningful interactions (5 intimate, 15 best, 50 good, 150 casual friends).
Splintering: When groups grow too large, they may subconsciously create differences to splinter into smaller, more manageable units (e.g., Amish communities differentiating by farm machinery use).

Social Identity: How one is valued and seen by others in a community; often tied to a social hierarchy or 'class system'. This can be as impactful as ethnic identity.
Perceived Ethnic Identity: How one sees oneself and is seen by others based on race, nationality, language, and religion. It often intertwines with social identity.
Social Identity Theory: Explains how people reinforce 'ingroup' belonging and develop distrust of 'outgroups' through categorization, a sense of belonging, and positive attitudes towards their ingroup.
Impact on Role: Social hierarchies are often influenced by race, nationality, language, or religion, determining an individual's or group's social status and power.
Social Mobility: The ability to change socio-economic status. Upward mobility is often desired but can be hindered by factors like 'old money' cultures or existing inequalities.
Overrides Ethnic Identity: In some cases, perceived social identity (class) can supersede ethnic identity; individuals may prioritize higher class status over embracing a lower-class ethnic identity.

Role Definition: A person's position, tasks, and responsibilities in society. These can be divided by or within ethnic groups.
Indian Caste System: A traditional, rigid social hierarchy based on birth, with no social mobility. Divides society into Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Sudras, and Dalits (Untouchables), who historically performed menial tasks. Though outlawed, its influence persists.
Race and Role: Racial background significantly influences an individual's role, treatment, and life prospects within a society (e.g., Apartheid in South Africa, racial wealth inequality in the US where white households have substantially higher median wealth than Black or Latino households).
Religion and Role (Northern Ireland): Historical and ongoing links between religious affiliation (Catholic/Protestant) and employment status or social class.