Meanings of Multiethnicity

Résumé du livre

This book explores the various meanings of multiethnicity in Singapore. By focusing on selected arenas and processes, it examines how "ethnic" and "interethnic" dimensions interact in the construction of community and identity in the context of nation-building. Its analysis ranges from detailed ethnography to discussion of broad features and issues, and links micro and macro data by juxtaposing the two levels and showing how they interact.

Theoretically, the study addresses several issues involving ethnic identity and community, modes of ethnic interaction, and nation-building in a multiethnic context. It confirms and elaborates on the symbolic-affective power of ethnicity, the contradictory trends of ethnic harmony and tension in interaction, and the structuring impact of macro forces. Empirically, it documents the Singapore case of how individuals, groups, and the state manage ethnicity and ethnic relations for viable multiethnic living.