The concept of symbolic ethnicity primarily applies to White Americans, who possess the ability to selectively engage with their ethnic backgrounds. Unlike non-White Americans, who face constraints due to historical and racial factors, White Americans can opt in and out of their ethnic identities without significant impact on their daily lives.
Research Question:
- What does it mean to have a choice in your ethnic identity?
- How do White Americans experience ethnicity differently from non-White Americans?
White Americans of European ancestry can be described as having a
great deal of choice in terms of their ethnic identities
Conclusion:
- Symbolic ethnicity is mainly for White Americans.
- Non-White Americans don’t have the same choices about their ethnic identities.
- The experiences of White and non-White people are very different because of history and racism.
This map shows how ethnic identities can be chosen freely by some, while for others, they are tied to their history and experiences
White ethnics, ethnicity is not something that influences their lives unless
they want it to. In the world of work and school and neighborhood, individuals do not have to admit to being ethnic unless they choose to.