In American society, the concept of symbolic ethnicity allows White Americans to selectively engage with their ethnic heritage in a manner that is largely voluntary and without significant social repercussions.
Astafford, & Astafford. (2024, April 14). 2. Views of the country’s progress on racial equality. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2023/08/10/views-of-the-countrys-progress-on-racial-equality/
Philanthropy, J. C. F. (2024, April 11). Expected changes to federal race and ethnicity standards present opportunities — and caveats. Johnson Center for Philanthropy. https://johnsoncenter.org/blog/expected-changes-to-federal-race-and-ethnicity-standards-present-opportunities-and-caveats/
https://youtu.be/1VUMFKbuti8?si=0jLZtKwosdPxqbvO
Ethnic identity for White Americans is often voluntary and individualistic, referred to as "symbolic ethnicity." It is mostly expressed during leisure activities or special occasions (e.g., celebrating Irish heritage on St. Patrick's Day). This ethnic identity doesn't affect their everyday life unless they choose to engage with it (Astafford, & Astafford, 2024).
Why do White Americans cling to their ethnic identities instead of just identifying as 'American'?
White Americans often retain ethnic identities, even if symbolic, as a way to feel connected to a sense of heritage or cultural tradition, without any significant social cost or pressure (Wikipedia, 2018)
Mary, W. (1996). Optional Ethnicities: For Whites Only. Origins and Destinies: Immigration, Race and Ethnicity in America. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
Perlmutter, P. (2002). From Ellis Island to JFK. Shofar: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Jewish Studies, 20(3), 163-164.
Symbolic ethnicity is without social cost for White Americans
This flexibility enjoyed by White Americans obscures the fact that non-White Americans' identities reflect the unequal historical experiences of race and ethnicity in the U.S (Perlmutter, 2002)
While White Americans have the freedom to choose and celebrate their ethnic identities, this is in stark contrast to racial minorities, whose identities are shaped by social forces, systemic discrimination, and historical inequalities.
Social and Historical Context:
Over generations, there has been intermarriage, changing social categories, and reduced discrimination for European ethnic groups. This has allowed symbolic ethnicities to flourish among White Americans.
Situational Ethnicity:
Ethnic identity can be displayed or concealed depending on the situation. This is a flexible aspect of identity for White Americans but not for racial minorities, whose racial identities are socially enforced (Mary, 1996)
