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Discourses about ethnic group (de-)essentialism: oppressive and progressive aspects
1Faculty of Social Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands. m.verkuyten@fss.uu.nl
The British Journal of Social Psychology
|October 22, 2003
Summary
Essentialism links culture and ethnicity, but its impact varies. Neither essentialism nor anti-essentialism is inherently oppressive; context determines their social influence.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Sociology
- Discourse Analysis
Background:
- Essentialist thinking in social psychology is increasingly studied.
- Essentialist beliefs about social groups can rationalize existing social systems.
- Discourse analysis links racism to essentialism, with anti-essentialism as an emancipatory discourse.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine how ethnic Dutch and ethnic minority individuals define and use essentialist notions in group discussions.
- To analyze the variable use of essentialism and de-essentialism within specific conversational contexts.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of group discussions involving ethnic Dutch and ethnic minority participants.
- Examination of discourse patterns related to essentialist and anti-essentialist beliefs.
Main Results:
- Both Dutch and minority participants used essentialist discourse, linking culture and ethnicity.
- Participants sometimes criticized or rejected essentialist notions.
- The use of essentialism/de-essentialism was context-dependent, influenced by topics like assimilation and cultural rights.
Conclusions:
- Essentialism is not inherently oppressive, and de-essentialism is not inherently progressive.
- The social impact of essentialist or de-essentialist beliefs depends on their discursive use and context.
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