Conceptualization of Ethnicity and Identity Formation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51983/arss-2019.8.2.1595Keywords:
Ethnicity, Identity formation, Primordial Approach, Instrumental Approach, Kashmiri SocietyAbstract
This paper discusses the theoretical background of ethnicity and its role in identity formation. The resurgence of ethnicity in the contemporary world has inevitably led to a critical re-examination of widely popular assumptions that surrounded the study of ethnic group and ethnic consciousness. The contemporary world is characterized by a profound ethnic assertiveness rather than decline. This study is a modest attempt at understanding the ethnicisation of Kashmiri identity which has fractured the earlier composite culture of the Kashmir. What “kashmiriyat” actually stands for and also what is the role of territorial homogenization in sharpening the ethnic lines in Kashmir. Ethnic consciousness works as glue for the group members but it also leads to resistance for the outer elements, infringement of any sort becomes intolerant. Instrumentalist view regards ethnic identity as a tool, one that can be mobilized or manipulated to achieve specific ends usually in the fields of politics and the economy. In this study we will observe its relevance with the Kashmiri society.
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