Abstract

Is ethnicity a result of cultural differences? Is ethnicity dependent on the practical use and belief in cultural differences? Drawing on a wide-range of classic and recent studies in anthropology and sociology, Thomas Hylland Eriksen examines the relationship between ethnicity, class, gender and nationhood.

Using the question 'What is ethnicity?' as his starting point, Eriksen examines the interplay between ideology and ethnicity, how the Internet impacts understanding of ethnicity, identity politics, and the commercialisation of identity. Through this, he reveals that far from being an immutable property of groups, ethnicity is a dynamic and shifting aspect of social relationships.

A core text for all students of social anthropology and related subjects, Ethnicity and Nationalism has been a leading introduction to the field since its original publication in 1993. This new edition - expanded and thoroughly revised - is indispensable to anyone seriously interested in understanding ethnic phenomena.
'This is a delightful book. The volume is well structured and written in clear and accessible language; it will not be at all surprising if it becomes a major teaching aid and textbook in the field'
Ephraim Nimni, School of Political Science, University of New South Wales
'An excellent book when it first came out, Ethnicity and Nationalism is an even richer, more subtle book in this new edition'
Nations and Nationalism
'As a introduction to the study of ethnicity, [this] book will do excellently'
Ethnologia Scandinavica