Ethnic identity choices are constrained by socially defined categories carrying unequal advantage

Evidence

In addition, a sensible and defensible theory of multiculturalism requires a central recognition of unequal power relations. Such recognition would allow one to avoid the mistake made by many hybridity theorists (as well as liberal advocates of the cosmopolitan alternative) of “flattening out” differences, making them appear equal (Alcoff, … 1996). This is both inadequate as theory, and unreflective of practice, since it is clear that when it comes to ethnicity - or any other identity for that matter - some have more choices than others. In this respect, individual and collective choices are circumscribed by the ethnic categories available at any given time and place. These categories are, in turn, socially and politically defined and have varying degrees of advantage or stigma attached to them (Nagel, 1994). — David Theo Goldberg, John Solomos, A Companion to Racial and Ethnic Studies, 941

Categorization

• DEFINE: Sharply qualifies the ethnic-options model (Waters) that may lurk elsewhere in the vault: category availability and stigma, not just individual preference, structure claimed identity.
• XREF: Connects to Omi & Winant’s racial-formation claim that racial categories are socially/politically defined, and to vault pieces treating hybridity/cosmopolitanism critiques. — connects to: Different racial groups have sharply unequal ranges of identity choice; Race and ethnicity function as forms of collective social identity — David Theo Goldberg, John Solomos, A Companion to Racial and Ethnic Studies, 116; Systematic disadvantage drives minorities to form separate organizations and class identity (+2 more)

Broader Connections

• Different racial groups have sharply unequal ranges of identity choice #exemplifies (0.90)
• Subordinate groups can invert racial categories to positive strategic effect #complicates (0.85) — David Theo Goldberg, John Solomos, A Companion to Racial and Ethnic Studies, 115
• Race and ethnicity function as forms of collective social identity #expands (0.80) — David Theo Goldberg, John Solomos, A Companion to Racial and Ethnic Studies, 116
• Systematic disadvantage drives minorities to form separate organizations and class identity #qualifies (0.75)