ERIC Number: EJ1094321
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0143-4632
EISSN: N/A
The Impact of Homogeneity on Intra-Group Cohesion: A Macro-Level Comparison of Minority Communities in a Western Diaspora
Deffa, Oromiya-Jalata
Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, v37 n4 p343-356 2016
Contrary to earlier studies dealing with the cultural identity development of diasporic minorities, this paper assesses the impact of homogeneity on intra-group cohesion and ethnic orientation. To this end, Oromo-Americans, an ethnic group originally located within the national borders of Ethiopia, will be compared to Armenian-Americans, British-Pakistanis and Somali-Americans. Despite different circumstances, all four groups share the experience of displacement owing to war and destitution. Additionally, all groups are confronted with the ramifications of a visible minority status. In the process of comparing these groups, their degrees of homogeneity in regard to language and religion--central aspects of culture and cultural identity--will be examined and juxtaposed at a macro level. Based on the correlative relationship of group homogeneity and social cohesion, I argue that the more homogeneous a group is in terms of language and religion, the more close-knit it will be. Consequently, exiled minorities who share the same language and religion are more likely to develop and retain a strong ethnic orientation than groups who are heterogeneous with regard to language and/or religion.
Descriptors: Immigrants, Self Concept, Minority Groups, Correlation, Group Dynamics, Comparative Analysis, Native Language, Religion, Cultural Background, Ethnic Groups, Foreign Countries, North Americans, Ethnography, Interviews, Refugees, Language Usage, Form Classes (Languages), Discourse Analysis
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Armenia; Ethiopia; Minnesota; Pakistan; Somalia; United Kingdom
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A