FALL SEMESTER 2023-24

TECHNICAL REPORT WRITING (BENG101P)

L37+L38

ETHNIC IDENTITY
by Binit Girish Sahani
22BCE3625

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 Acknowledgement

I am deeply grateful to the individuals and institutions who have played a pivotal role in the
completion of this report on ethnic identity. Their contributions, support, and expertise have
been instrumental in shaping the research and its final presentation.

First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mr Anburaj G, for his unwavering
guidance and mentorship throughout this project. His profound knowledge and insightful
feedback significantly enriched the depth and quality of the research.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the participants who generously shared
their experiences and perspectives on ethnic identity. Their willingness to open up and
provide candid insights formed the cornerstone of this study, and their contributions are
deeply valued.

I am also grateful for the invaluable contributions of my classmates, who provided their point
of view on this report. Their insights greatly enhanced the comprehensiveness and relevance
of this report.

The resources and support provided by my institution have been invaluable to the successful
execution of this research. Their commitment to academic excellence created an environment
conducive to rigorous inquiry and critical thinking.

Furthermore, I would like to acknowledge my family and friends for their unwavering
encouragement and understanding throughout this journey. Their support provided the
necessary foundation for me to undertake and complete this project.

Finally, I extend my gratitude to the broader academic community and all those whose work
has laid the groundwork for this research. Their contributions have been instrumental in
shaping the landscape of research on ethnic identity.

Without the collective efforts and support of these individuals and institutions, this report on
ethnic identity would not have been possible. Thank you all for your invaluable contributions
and unwavering belief in the significance of this research.

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 Table Of Content

S.NO TITLE PAGE NO.

1 Introduction 5

2 Problem Statement 5

3 Significance of study 6

4 Research Gap 6

5 Review of Literature 7

6 Methodology 7

7 Result analysis 8

8 Discussing on the result 13

9 Unexpected Findings 13

10 Limitations of the study 13

11 Scope for further study 13

12 Conclusion 14

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Abstract

This report explains into the multifaceted domain of ethnic identity, exploring its fundamental
components and societal implications, this report offers a comprehensive overview of ethnic
identity, elucidating its interplay with culture, heritage, and community. The research
highlights the crucial role played by factors like cultural affiliation ethics, basic ethical
knowledge and historical context in shaping individual identities. Central to this investigation
is the identification of challenges faced by individuals in relation to their ethnic identity. The
problem statement highlights the prevalence of discrimination, internal conflicts, and the
potential identity crises multiple cultural identities. Methodologically, a combination of
qualitative interviews and surveys provided insights into the lived experiences of diverse
ethnic communities. The study also underscores the necessity for inclusive policies and
educational programs to promote intercultural understanding .In summation, this research
offers a detailed knowledge of ethnic identity, shedding light on the challenges faced and
proposing solutions to resolve them. The findings serve as a foundation for future research
and findings in the realm of multiculturalism and ethnic identity.

KEYWORDS: ethnicity, discrimination, cultural affiliation, heritage, language, ethic gloss

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Introduction

Ethnic identity is a personal concept that describes how an individual identifies with an ethnic
group. The second part of the construct, identity, has Latin origins and is derived from the
word identitas; the word is formed from idem, meaning "same." Thus, the term is used to
express the notion of sameness, likeness, and oneness. Combining the definitions and
interpretations of identity and ethnicity, it can be concluded that they mean, or at minimum
imply, the sameness of a band or nation of people who share common customs, traditions,
historical experiences. Understanding ethnic identity is pivotal in comprehending the rich
diversity that characterizes societies worldwide. It provides insights into how individuals
form their sense of self within the broader context of a multicultural world. The complexities
of ethnic identity is based on geographic borders, influencing personal narratives, values, and
worldviews. It serves as a lens through which individuals navigate their place in society,
providing a source of pride, cultural grounding, and a framework for interpreting the world
around them. While sociologists and anthropologists have investigated group level processes
related to ethnic identity, psychologists have focused more on the individual and the
development of ethnic identity on the individual level.
This report embarks on an exploration of ethnic identity, delving into its components,
significance, and the challenges individuals may encounter in relation to their ethnic
background. By examining the complexities of ethnic identity, we seek to illuminate the paths
towards a more inclusive and empathetic society that celebrates the mosaic of human
cultures.

Problem Statement

The importance of discrimination in an increasingly interconnected world cannot be

overstated. However, individual and collective values are not without their difficulties.
People, especially people from minorities or ethnic minorities, often deal with many issues
related to their race. Discrimination, cultural pressures, and identity issues can be very real
and impactful obstacles to finding balance and self-acceptance. Stereotypes, cultural
misunderstandings, and language barriers can exacerbate these problems and often leave
people feeling misunderstood or misunderstood. Ethic gloss groups, such as American
Indians, Asian Americans, and indigenous groups where unique cultural and ethnic
differences found among group members are ignored recognizing and addressing these issues
is essential to promoting a society that values diversity and ensuring that everyone can fully
retain their ethnic heritage without fear of exclusion or discrimination. This report aims to
pay attention to everyone's relationship with their nation and provides insight to promote the
participation and understanding of the world by many people. By constantly researching
these topics, we strive to contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate world.

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Significance of the Study

The study of ethnic identity holds paramount importance in both academic and societal
contexts. Understanding the importance of ethnic identity provides valuable insights into the
complexities of human diversity and its impact on individual and collective experiences.
It helps in promoting cultural understanding and appreciation. A comprehensive
understanding of ethnic identity fosters empathy and respect for diverse cultures. One of the
most crucial significance is enhancing intercultural relations. Recognizing the significance of
ethnic identity is essential for empowering minority and marginalized communities, ensuring
their voices are heard and their rights are protected.
Understanding one's ethnic identity can be a powerful tool for personal growth, helping
individuals develop a strong sense of self and purpose. By shedding light on the challenges
faced by individuals in relation to their ethnic identity, this study can contribute to efforts
aimed at combating discrimination and prejudice. Recognizing the importance of ethnic
identity helps to safeguard and preserve unique cultural traditions, languages, and practices,
ensuring they are passed down to future generations.
Knowledge of ethnic identity informs the development of educational curricula that are
inclusive and representative of diverse cultural perspectives.
The study of ethnic identity is instrumental in promoting inclusivity, understanding, and
respect for diverse cultures. It plays a crucial role in shaping policies, empowering
communities, and enriching our collective understanding of human identity.

Research Gap

While the study of ethnic identity has made significant strides in recent years, there remain
several notable gaps that warrant further exploration. These gaps represent areas where
existing research may not fully address certain aspects or where new questions and
perspectives have emerged. Limited research details into the complexities, where individuals
navigate multiple identities and how these intersecting identities shape their overall sense of
self. While some research has explored ethnic identity development in adolescents and young
adults, there is a gap in understanding how ethnic identity evolves across different
generations within families and communities. With rapidly changing global dynamics,
including technological advancements, there is a gap in research that addresses how these
factors influence the formation and expression of ethnic identity.
There is a need for comparative research that examines how different ethnic groups
experience and negotiate their identities, as well as the unique challenges and opportunities
they face. In some cases, authors may inadvertently approach their research with certain
cultural biases, potentially leading to interpretations that do not fully capture the complexity
of ethnic identity. By addressing these research gaps, future studies on ethnic identity have
the potential to provide a more space and comprehensive understanding of this aspect of
human identity, ultimately contributing to more practices that foster inclusivity and mutual
respect.

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Review of Literature

In the project, the books written by Richard.M.Lerner, Joseph E. Trimble, Madhura Bhadra
and many more have been referred. They have done a great job in extracting and explaining
the content so detailed. From all these books, we get the knowledge of ethics, its
positive/negative values, and helps in detailed understandings of the topic. It had included the
risk and remedies of the ethics along with a basic knowledge about the topic. It has stated the
stereotypes, labels given to groups, solutions to the problem and self/mixed ethnic
understandings.
In the same book written by Richard.M.Lerner, Yuet Cheung defines ethnic identification
as "the psychological attachment to an ethnic group or heritage and thus centers the construct
in the domain of self-perception. This report hopefully serves an answer to the long
unanswered question.
This literature review provides an overview of key research findings, theoretical perspectives,
and emerging trends in the study of ethnic identity.
These books holds all the knowledge that is required to gain understanding and a open mind
to see the ethical background of a person and relate.

Methodology

The topic “Ethnic Identity” isn’t discussed or treated as importantly as before. But different
views of people on this topic could help attain a better knowledge at the ethnic identity and
help people self-realise and identify themselves. To establish a theoretical foundation and
contextualize the study within existing scholarship on ethnic identity. This survey was
conducted on a specified group of people so that this report could contain a real-life
situational answer. Some responses were through online mode (google forms) and some
responses were taken from people through physical interaction. This survey mainly focused
on the group of people from age group 19 to 35 but as of regarding this topic age group did
not really give the preferrable answer so some older people or people who have experience
and realized and witnessed the condition for themselves. The aim of this survey is to create a
sense of awareness among fellow people of the importance of this topic which can be useful
in the future for a country.

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Result analysis

This result is analysed based on the responses from the survey conducted.

As seen from the pie chart from the recorded responses. It is clearly witnessed that majority
of the people are comfortable discussing on “Ethnic Identity”. At this generation, it is very
crucial to have a discussion on such topics and know the opinion of others for the betterment
of the society. While surveying people, it was noticed that the elderlies were in high number
who chose this option. The older generation understands the important of ethics very clearly.
Following to this, a good amount holds on people that are comfortable talking on the topic
with close ones. During the survey, I noticed, many of the youngsters either didn’t know the
meaning of ethics or were not comfortable discussing on it.

According to the survey conducted, it is noticed that an individual faces difficulties on the
basis of the major ethnic group residing at the particular place. This is commonly seen that a
major group empowers a minor one resulting in showing its dominance over a ethnic group.
This results in demoralising an ethic group and showcasing themselves as inferior around the
globe. This is a factors that could cause people taking the advantage of. People have to be
brought into light and make them realise that such an act can be very harmful for an ethnic
group as well as a person as an individual for the survival.

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As seen from the line chart, An individual’s commitments and efforts in contributing towards
his ethnicity can help change others perspective towards their ethnicity and make them
respect and their culture more. It is very important to respect every culture and the survey
responses suggests that people have a similar thinking towards this. Many people have a view
that a good value of an individual can help others like his/her ethnicity. This implies that a
person’s good deeds gives out an impression of good values, respect and empathy that is
gained through his/her culture and background. This leaves a good impression on others
about their ethnic group.

It is clearly suggested from the above chart that people these days are pulled away from their
ethnicity due to the influence of western culture. Upon talking to people, it was understood
that western culture in some way shapes people in looking sophisticated and make them look
of a high class. This mentality of the public have made people follow western culture more.
Following this , another group of people have a different thought. The chart shows how a
certain group believes that the reason for lack of interest in a person’s ethnic background is
due to lack of awareness. As people these days do not show interest in their culture , there
aren’t many campaigns or events of a certain ethnic groups.

This causes lack of interest and knowledge of one about his/her own ethnicity.

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The above graph shows the perspective of people on making others more involved in their
ethnicity. The graph suggests that it is the role of ones parent to educate and involve his/her
off springs in their cultural activities and beliefs. Starting from a young age can help making
an emotional connection of one with the ethnicity they belong too. It then becomes a habit for
the child to be involved in it. Contrary to this, the survey shows that use of social media isn’t
the most effective way to educate a person on their ethics. Seeing from a point of view ,
social media showcases many false and wrong information and this go against educating a
person wrongly.

From the above graph , it is clearly showcased that the perspective of the people these days is
to have follow the values their culture teach them according to their selves and not to adhere
all. People in the past era had the mentality to follow their rules of ethics in every way
without breaking them. But as the generation changes, people do not feel that it is important
to adhere all and choose what they want to follow according to themselves.

There are very few people with the thought of not prioritizing the ethnicity. This suggests that
the feeling and thought of a person’s culture is not completely extinct, but has reduced
comparatively.

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The above chart shows how it helps majority of people to interact with others of same ethnic
group. It is easier to talk to a person if there is a commonality between them. The above chart
also shows how all the options have the a few difference in its percentage. Following the
leading option, it is also noticed that ethnicity does not play any role in an individual’s
relationship with others. This suggests that are nearly equal amount of people who are on
both side of the opinion.

The above dot graph reflects that educating people about every ethnicity in institutions is the
most efficient way to help improving life of people that are neglected due to their ethnic
belonging. It is important to educate people, especially the upcoming generation on how
important it is to respect every culture and ethics of every individual.

The graph also shows that providing scholarships and financial aid can be a good way to
improve lives of ethically neglected people. This can help and improve the lives of such
people.

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The result of a survey conducted on “how your ethnic identity contributes to your connection
with your community” suggests that it moderately influences a person’s sense of belonging.
But this isn’t a prominent way for them. According to the survey conducted, it is seen that
people feels their connections with their community is influenced by the ethics in some way,
but their relationship does not rely completely on ethics. Whereas, almost equal percentage of
people feel that ethnic background plays a significant role in connected to its community.

The above graph has an interesting result of the surveyed question. According to the survey,
there are equal number of people suggesting that exploring your ethics helps enhancing
personalities and also holds an opportunity for personal progress. This clearly means that it is
very important to explore ethics of a person to grow and develop as a person and become the
best version of themselves.

The graph overall suggests that an individual should explore his/her ethnic background for
self-development and enhance his/her personality and character as a person.

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Discussion On The Results

The survey overall suggests that ethnic identity directly and indirectly plays a crucial role in
the development of a person. After analysing the surveys and discussing with people on this
very topic, it was brought to notice that ethics is a very important aspect of a person’s life and
it is not taken as seriously as it should be taken. It has also been found that ethics in people
has not completely extinct, but the importance of it has reduced for people as the generations
go on. It is very important for the right information to be passed on about this topic as it can
be sensitive for people. While taking the survey, it was noticed that people were not
comfortable sharing their names which suggests that handful of people are still hesitant on
discussing on the topic “ethnicity”. It is believed to some that this topic involves political and
cultural discussion which cannot be spoken about so freely as it could hurt sentiments of any.
But overall, surveys gives the understanding of the importance of ethnic identity for a
person’s growth as well as the development of the society and relations.

Unexpected Findings

Research reveals that individuals with mixed ethnic backgrounds navigate their identity in
unique ways. They might engage with and embrace multiple aspects of their heritage, or they
might emphasize one aspect more prominently than the other. Research also shows that some
people can report variations or changes in their race over time. This can be influenced by
many factors such as lifestyle, cultural influences or changes in background. It was also
noticed that people are still not comfortable discussing on such topics and prefer to be behind
curtains if they do so.

Limitations Of The Study

Research on ethnic identity can be sensitive, Many refused to answer the survey due to the
fear of not maintaining privacy whereas others were hesitant talking on the topic. Few did not
show as much interest in filling the forms as the importance on this topic is reduced in the
current era. It was also difficult understanding people of mixed culture which falls under ethic
gloss category. It is difficult to categorise such people and take reviews.
Few surveys were online, so there is no certainty if the answers recorded were sincere or not.
Further one of the major limitation was to convince people that the privacy on this surveys
would be maintained and names would not be exposed.

Scope For Further Study

“Ethnic gloss” which refers to the categorized label for the group of people that do not have a
certain ethnic background or do not follow a certain tradition. Homogeneity exists in culture,
traditions and group. A certain unique tradition is not followed. One such example of such
people are American-Indians. There is a lot of aspects that needs to be researched on at this
category and a deep understanding on the ethics and values of such a group needs to be
acquired. This could help attain knowledge on mixed ethno-cultural groups and know the
values they follow.

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Conclusion

Concluding this report with sharing an insight on how an individual’s ethnic identity helps
him gain confidence and respect a person deserves from the society and never feel inferior
about a particular ethnicity. This report gives a knowledge on how ethics are neglected these
days and are in fact important for a person’s development. It is important to stay confident in
this world, and ethnicity helps gaining that. It introduces you to a group of people that shares
the same identity and would welcome people to expand their group and share knowledge on
their common interests.
Ethnicity has bought mainly good deeds to people and in this current generation, it is
important to preserve to preserve the values and cultures for the upcoming future.
It current era has been neglected this for some time now, but the importance of it still holds in
the present time.

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