scholarly journals Ethnic communities, identity and belonging: an autoethnography

Author(s):  
Evanilde Bekkout

This paper presents an autoethnographic analysis of identity and belonging. I describe some of my own experiences as a member of the Brazilian and Portuguese communities in order to propose that multicultural individuals need to navigate among the many identities they relate to, which make them live at the margins of cultural groups rather than limiting them to one exclusive culture. I examine the period I lived in the Brazilian community and why I do not fit there; and why I fit in the Portuguese community although I do not feel that I fully belong there. Then, I argue that a multicultural individual needs to live at the margins of cultural communities in order to move among different communities; and conclude that more work on multicultural identity is needed to understand how multicultural individuals handle belonging without identifying themselves with specific groups. The sequence of personal experiences presents a progressive development of identity and belonging culminating with an argument that this project can be enlarged into a qualitative study of identity and belonging in ethnic groups to examine multicultural identity in ethnographic studies.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evanilde Bekkout

This paper presents an autoethnographic analysis of identity and belonging. I describe some of my own experiences as a member of the Brazilian and Portuguese communities in order to propose that multicultural individuals need to navigate among the many identities they relate to, which make them live at the margins of cultural groups rather than limiting them to one exclusive culture. I examine the period I lived in the Brazilian community and why I do not fit there; and why I fit in the Portuguese community although I do not feel that I fully belong there. Then, I argue that a multicultural individual needs to live at the margins of cultural communities in order to move among different communities; and conclude that more work on multicultural identity is needed to understand how multicultural individuals handle belonging without identifying themselves with specific groups. The sequence of personal experiences presents a progressive development of identity and belonging culminating with an argument that this project can be enlarged into a qualitative study of identity and belonging in ethnic groups to examine multicultural identity in ethnographic studies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 10-19
Author(s):  
Pradeep Acharya

Ethnicity and identity. particularly for Nepal with diverse human and cultural groups, has become more important in the context of number of ethnic upsurges accompanying macro-level social movements in Nepal, resulting in a radical transformation in the political system. Given the context, this paper aimed to reflect one of the many dimensions of ethnic activism in historical context focused on one of Nepal's least studied ethnic groups, the Paharis. Further, the paper also attempted to connect the categorization of human groups with the politics of identity. The paper is prepared by extensive reviews supplemented by a number of in-depth interviews among the given community around Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Kabhrepalanchok, and Sindhupalchok district. The paper concludes that Pahari ethnicity and activism have their own trajectory within the broader ethnic movement and activism that became apparent after 1990, followed by the movement initiated by other ethnic groups.


2012 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 1096-1103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Koffman ◽  
Myfanwy Morgan ◽  
Polly Edmonds ◽  
Peter Speck ◽  
Richard Siegert ◽  
...  

2016 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-66
Author(s):  
Margaret Costello

This qualitative study was designed to uncover the characteristics and behaviors of nurses identified by patients as providing exceptional nursing care. “Being present” and “Knowing the patient” were the major themes that captured the nurses’ experience. Four subthemes were identified: looking for commonalities, sharing personal experiences, use of humor, and caring for the spiritual needs of patients.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-73
Author(s):  
Saleem Dhobi

This article analyzes Updike’s 9/11 novel, Terrorist to explore the implications of stereotyping and cultural bigotry in US society in the aftermath. The novelist demonstrates the problematic in the cultural integration of minorities particularly Muslims and Jews as represented by Ahmad and Jack Levy. The primary motto of the article is to analyze the novel from the perspective of the protagonists Ahmad and Jack who suffer the cultural and social exclusion in American society. Ahmad is the victim of cultural bigotry and Jack Levy faces discriminatory practices at school. The isolation and marginalization of Ahmad and Jack respectively imply the ethnic crevices prevalent in the US society. The author demonstrates that the dominant cultural groups: European and African Americans do not accept the religious minorities: Muslims and Jews. Consequently, Muslims who are overtly the targets of cultural hatred and marginalization in the aftermath of the 9/11 as portrayed in the novel become hostile toward the Western culture. The efforts for integration of religious minorities are cosmetic as exemplified in the cases of Ahmad and Jack in the text. The writer makes a balance in representing both dominant and Muslim cultures to demonstrate the problems pertaining to ethnic groups at their failure in accommodating differences. The cultural separation and hatred prevalent in US society become obstacles even for those like Jack who seek to integrate. The paper eventually demonstrates the possibility of integration of religious minorities when both mainstream Americans and people of religious minorities conform to accepting the differences.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adjunct Professor ◽  
Frances Furio

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on various sectors and industries around the world. Globally, healthcare workers and first responders have found themselves faced with unprecedented challenges, both within and outside of the workplace. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this research was to identify and explore the complex mental health outcomes resulting from the various new challenges experienced by healthcare workers and first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A phenomenological qualitative study was conducted in an effort to understand the mental health outcomes resulting from the various challenges and barriers faced while working during the pandemic. A total of 31 healthcare workers and first responders were interviewed. RESULTS The mental health outcomes described were not isolated to increased stress and anxiety; participants also described complex experiences, perspectives, and feelings related to guilt, stoicism, helplessness, fear, and anger. This paper adds to the current body of literature by further exploring the personal experiences and perspectives of healthcare workers and first responders related to these complex mental health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Continued exploration, understanding, and awareness is needed in order to continue working towards addressing these outcomes and offering potential solutions.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 106-116
Author(s):  
Bhanu Bhakta Sharma Khandal

Sumnima, a novel written by Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala (BP Koirala in short), has raised voice for social integration through harmonious relationship among the ethnic groups. But it is read as the presentation of binary between Aryan and Kirat cultures, highlighting differences in belief systems, rites, rituals, and day to day lifestyle that create misunderstanding, conflict, and problems among the people of different cultural groups. The main objective of studying the novel, in this article, is to find how the novelist offers an opportunity to the readers to realize the ideas and benefits of harmony among the divergent ethnic communities living in Nepal or elsewhere through understanding differences and celebrating the diversity. Theoretical insights of ethnicity have been used to analyze the primary text. The article argues, taking the reference of the novel, that ethnic misunderstandings and conflicts can be solved by understanding cultural norms and values of others. The article also examines and analyzes how the relations without understanding cannot prosper even within the same ethnic group but love and understanding makes the life beautiful no matter which tribe or ethnicity the people belong to. The implicit intention of the novelist in the novel is that in a culturally diverse society, mutual understanding, compromise, and respect of difference make the society a ‘salad bowl’ that works better than trying to make it a ‘melting pot’.


2020 ◽  
Vol 122 (10) ◽  
pp. 3049-3063
Author(s):  
Norsyamlina Che Abdul Rahim ◽  
Zaharah Sulaiman ◽  
Tengku Alina Tengku Ismail ◽  
Tahir Aris

PurposeThis qualitative study was to understand the factors affecting successful adoptive breastfeeding among women who underwent induced lactation process.Design/methodology/approachThis study conducted in-depth interviews among induced lactation women in five states based on five regions [South (Johor), Central (Selangor), North (Penang), East (Kelantan) and East Malaysia (Sabah)]. The interviews have been consented, audio-recorded then transcribed verbatim, followed by identification of emerging themes.FindingsData saturation was achieved after interviewing a total of 23 induced lactation women. There were six main themes that emerged to describe factors affecting successful induced lactation process: (1) support and encouragement, (2) diet supplementation, (3) breastfeeding devices support, (4) incorporating treatment plan in the daily schedule, (5) high determination and pleasant attitude and (6) being informed on induced lactation process.Research limitations/implicationsThere can be recall bias among the respondents since the information was collected retrospectively, one to two years after the induced lactation practice completed. Due to that, we cannot rule out recall bias in the responses given in the interviews. In this study, induced lactation women barely were ethnic Malay Muslims. Thus, comparisons to other ethnic groups were not possible. This was due to the difficulty to get participation from induced lactation mother of other ethnic groups in the study. Even though the success is demonstrated, a significant limitation is that the ratio between Muslims and non-Muslims cannot be performed for the reason that the respondents only consists of Muslims alone.Originality/valueThe benefits of breastfeeding by an adoptive woman are numerous for both the mother and baby. There are multifactors involved in successful induced lactation process. After experiencing induced lactation, all respondents agreed that it has prepared them to be real mothers and breastfeeding is a pleasurable experience. All respondents corresponded to breastfeeding have a positive influence in the aspect of affection and touch. A mother who feels confident in her ability to lactate and is reassured by those around her will be most likely to feel successful in this great attempt.


1983 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 425-444 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis E. Kobrin ◽  
Alden Speare

Comparative analysis of out-migration, based on a panel followed from 1968 to 1979, reveals substantial ethnic differentials. Part of the variation results from group compositional differences in social class and other characteristics normally related to migration, particularly age, education and local birth. Equally important, however, are indicators of social and economic bonds. These have been re-interpreted as mechanisms that promote ethnic cohesiveness. The results suggest that ethnic groups characterized by a dense network of social and economic ties do not sponsor out-migration, which has been the emphasis of many past studies of chain migration and migrant assimilation. Rather, they deter out-migration by providing alternative opportunities within the ethnic community.


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