Navigating Ethnicity

Segregation, Placemaking, and Difference

By (author) David H. Kaplan Kent State University

Publication date:

03 August 2017

Length of book:

258 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Dimensions:

237x160mm
6x9"

ISBN-13: 9781538101889

This important book provides a novel perspective on ethnicity, nationality, and race by considering how they are shaped by their geography. Exploring the complicated terrain of ethnicity through an expansive global perspective, David H. Kaplan traces the spatial arrangements that convey such potent meaning to the identity and opportunities of members of any cultural group. With examples from around the world, the author considers the most important aspects of ethnicity—from segregation to place making to multiculturalism, culture regions, diasporas, and transnationalism. He frames ethnicity as a contingent phenomenon, showing how context and place determine the position, definitions, behaviors, and attitudes toward and by members of an ethnic group. Drawing on an impressive depth of historical and empirical detail, Kaplan’s analysis of the critical role of ethnicity in everyday geographies makes a major contribution to the field.

Preface
Chapter 1: Something about Ethnicity
Chapter 2: Diversity in Urban History
Chapter 3: Contextualizing Ethnicity
Chapter 4: Fashioning Spatial Concentration
Chapter 5: Measuring and Modeling Spatial Segregation
Chapter 6: Ethnic Culture Regions and Placemaking
Chapter 7: Ethnic Spaces Created from Exploitation and Conflict
Chapter 8: Positive Consequences of Concentration
Chapter 9: Negative Consequences of Concentration
Chapter 10: Multiculturalism and the Spatial Configuration of Ethnic Groups in the City
Chapter 11: Distances and Diasporas
Chapter 12: Transnationalism and Hybridity
Chapter 13: Envisioning the Future
References
Index

Geography professor Kaplan (Kent State Univ.) seeks to extend understanding of ethnicity through the heretofore largely ignored lens of geography and space. He begins by tracing the evolution of the conceptualization of ethnicity, noting seminal contributions from sociology, anthropology, psychology, history, and political science, among other disciplines. However, he is particularly interested in examining “how ethnicity plays out on the ground.” Kaplan comprehensively explores spatial boundaries between groups, taking into account geographical context and its intersection with such factors as class, gender, and age. He also addresses motives for (and causes of) ethnic segregation, be it externally driven from intergroup exploitation and conflict, or internally rooted in voluntary seclusion. Acknowledging the segregation that exists, the author presents comprehensive research on both the negative and positive consequences of ethnic concentration, leaving it to readers to ultimately decide if such segregation is functional or dysfunctional for society. Finally, Kaplan envisions the future of ethnicity, taking into account the latent consequences of contemporary social forces including transnationalism, urbanization, and globalization. Overall, a well-researched and unique contribution in the ever-salient field of ethnicity and ethnic relations. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students/faculty/professionals.