Ethnic identity as the process of subjectification

Abstract

Ethnic group is a forced social category usually thought of in terms of essence in everyday life and in psychological theory. Essentializing is a powerful representational tool which fuels ethnocentrism, xenophobia and discrimination. In this paper, I will argue that practical and analytical discourse of identity, difference and exclusion, serves as carrier of essentialist views on ethnic group membership. If the group is seen as natural and unchangeable, and if one cannot choose whether or not to belong to a certain ethnic group, then ethnic membership can only be seen as unchangeable, natural and stable, i.e. permanent part of one`s identity. Identity language practice in turn (re)produces simplified essentialist views on ethnicity hindering the possibility of alternative understanding. Consequentially, it leaves no room to human agency in thinking and acting as members of ethnic groups, and obstructs possible ways of social change. Contrary to aforementioned, I propose theorizing ethnic identity as the process of subjectification, the process by which individuals construct themselves into existing relations they themselves do not consciously determine, but to which they subordinate themselves. It is through active participation in psycho-discursive practices that people become and are made ethnic beings, thereby producing ethnicity itself. The taken-for-granted of ethnic identity comes under scrutiny as people become engaged in process of defining who and how they are as collective. Deconstruction of identity language exposes ethnicity as socio-culturally constructed rather than essentially natural, and creates space for different participation in meaning-making processes. Theoretical and practical implications will be discussed.