Ethnic Studies

Ethnic studies examines the histories, cultures, and experiences of racial and ethnic groups, especially those marginalized, and the structures of race.

Scope

It covers race and ethnicity, racism and resistance, ethnic identity and community, and comparative and critical race scholarship.

Core questions

• How do race and ethnicity structure society?
• How are ethnic identities formed and sustained?
• How do marginalized groups resist domination?
• How is racial inequality produced and challenged?

Key concepts

• Race and ethnicity
• Double consciousness
• Racial formation
• Racism and resistance
• Ethnic identity
• Critical race theory

Key theories

Double consciousness

Du Bois analysed Black experience and 'double consciousness', founding scholarship on race.

Racial formation

Omi and Winant theorized race as a socially and politically constructed, contested category.

History

Ethnic studies emerged from civil-rights-era activism and scholarship (building on Du Bois), developing racial-formation theory (Omi & Winant) and critical race studies.

Debates

Assimilation versus pluralism

Whether ethnic groups should or do assimilate or maintain distinct identities.

Key figures

• W. E. B. Du Bois
• Michael Omi
• Howard Winant

Seminal works

• dubois-1903
• omi-winant-1986

Frequently asked questions

What are ethnic studies?

An interdisciplinary field studying the histories, cultures, and experiences of racial and ethnic groups and the workings of race.