Drawing on a wide range of examples, the selections included examine theories of nationalism and consider issues of ethnic integration and conflict in the USA, China, Britain, Germany, Quebec, Scotland, Galicia, Catalonia, Kurdistan, Iran, Iraq and Somaliland among other countries and regions. The reader, however, does not confine itself to the study of nationalism. Many of the selections deal with the role of ethnicity in groups which are not nationalist at all but for which ethnicity is an important factor in the process of migration. The concept of ethnicity is therefore discussed both in relation to group rights in existing nation states and in relation to transnational communities in a globalized world.

The Ethnicity Reader offers a comprehensive and challenging selection of readings for students of sociology, politics, international relations and race relations. It presents a highly accessible introduction to the study of ethnicity by providing an original approach to nationalism, multiculturalism and migration. The analysis of the ethnic component present in these three topics distinguishes this reader from others and makes it indispensable to those seeking to understand the relevance of ethnicity as one of the most prominent forces in the modern world. Drawing on a wide range of examples, the selections included examine theories of nationalism and consider issues of ethnic integration and conflict in the USA, Canada, Quebec, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Catalonia among other countries and regions. The reader, however, does not confine itself to the study of nationalism. Many of the selections deal with the role of ethnicity in groups which are not nationalist at all but for which ethnicity is an important factor in the process of migration. The concept of ethnicity is therefore discussed both in relation to group rights in existing nation states and in relation to transnational communities in a globalized world. Contributors include, Anthony D. Smith, John Rex, Eric Hobsbawm, James Clifford, Michael Keating, Franke Wilmer, Benedict Anderson, Will Kymlicka, Etienne Balibar and Michel Wieviorka.

Although the term 'ethnicity' is recent, the sense of kinship, group solidarity, and common culture to which it refers is as old as the historical record: ethnic communities have been present in every period and continent. Ethnic identity is often associated with conflict, particularly with political struggles in various parts of the world, but there is no essential connection between ethnicity and conflict. So why is the nature of ethnicity so contentious? Can ethnic conflict ever be resolved? This Oxford Reader includes extracts by all the major contributors to debates on this important concept.

Understanding Race and Ethnicity in Contemporary Society: A Reader provides both contemporary and historical perspectives on race and ethnicity, with a focus the development of racial and ethnic relations in the United States. The anthology is organized into four sections. The first provides introductory perspectives that consider the social construction of race and socioeconomic disparities. The second section is devoted to understanding the patterns of race and ethnicity through consideration of theoretical viewpoints. The third section explores the development of racial and ethnic patterns by looking at some of the historical evidence. The fourth and final section examines key issues in racial and ethnic inequality. Specific topics include the racialization of poverty, institutionalized racism, segregation, and some attention focused on the social institutions of religion, sports, family, and education. The sections and readings all feature an original introduction, as well as discussion questions. Understanding Race and Ethnicity in Contemporary Society is intended to supplement standard texts on race and ethnicity. It is well suited to courses that focus on contemporary racial and ethnic relations, and those that explore the history of race and ethnicity.

This Reader collects in one volume the key readings on language, ethnicity and race. Using linguistic and cultural analysis, it explores changing ideas of race and the ways in which these ideas shape human communication.