Ethnic and Racial Identity

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the role that ethnicity and race play in determining one's identity and how this can have both positive and negative consequences. The negative consequences are best demonstrated when a person's race or ethnic background prevent him from integrating into society. The paper looks at this aspect of ethnic and racial identity and the role the social worker has in helping people of different ethnicities and races integrate into society. The problems that arise as social workers take on this role are discussed as well.

From the Paper:

"People often identify along racial and ethnic lines. This usually isn't antagonistic; it usually consists of maintaining traditions and values and thereby forms the basis for social interaction. For such people, ethnicity provides a sense of purpose in their own identity. Celebrations like Diwali and Rosh Hashanna remind people (in this case, Indian and Jewish people) of their traditions and are a source of pride. Among the most lively and endearing parts of any city are its ethnic communities, as they allow us to experience not only different holidays, cuisine and customs but also to gain a more circumspect appreciation of human nature and the way that people interact."

More papers on Ethnic and Racial Identity:

• Comparison Essay # 17092 : "Ethnicity and the American Identity"
• Analytical Essay # 2936 : "The Complex Identity"
• Essay # 45752 : "The Limits of Racial Domination"

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