Among the concepts that define and classify the human community, ethnic differentiation seems to be the most important. About what ethnos is and how it should be understood in the context of various branches and theories of ethnology, we will talk in this article.

Definition

First of all, let's deal with the formal definition. So, most often, regarding the concept of "ethnos", the definition sounds like "a stable human community that has developed in the course of history." This implies that this society must be united by certain common features, such as: culture, way of life, language, religion, self-consciousness, habitat, and the like. Thus, it is obvious that "people", "nation" and similar concepts and "ethnos" are similar. Therefore, their definitions correlate with each other, and the terms themselves are often used as synonyms. The word "ethnos" was introduced into scientific circulation in 1923 by S. M. Shirokogorov, a Russian emigrant.

Concepts and theories of ethnos

The scientific discipline that studies the phenomenon we are considering is called ethnology, and among its representatives there are various approaches and points of view on the concept of "ethnos". The definition of the Soviet school, for example, was built from the standpoint of so-called primordialism. But in modern Russian science, constructivism prevails.

Primordialism

The theory of primordialism proposes to approach the concept of "ethnos" as an objective reality, which is external in relation to a person and is conditioned by a number of features independent of the individual. Thus, ethnicity cannot be changed or artificially generated. It is given from birth and is determined on the basis of objective traits and characteristics.

Dualistic theory of ethnos

In the context of this theory, the concept of "ethnos" has its definition in two forms - narrow and extensive, which determines the duality of the concept. In a narrow sense, this term refers to groups of people who have a stable connection between generations, limited by a certain space and having a number of stable identifying features - cultural codes, language, religion, mental characteristics, consciousness of their community, and so on.

And in a broad sense, ethnos is proposed to be understood as the whole complex of social formations united by common state borders and economic and political systems. Thus, we see that in the first case, “people”, “nationality” and similar concepts and “ethnos” are similar, therefore their definitions are similar. And in the second case, all national correlates are erased, and civic identity comes to the fore.

sociobiological theory

Another theory, called sociobiological, focuses in defining the concept of "ethnos" on biological features that unite groups of people. Thus, a person's belonging to a particular ethnic group is given to him, like gender and other biological characteristics.

Passionary theory of ethnos

This theory is otherwise called the Gumilyov theory, after the name of its author. It assumes that the structural association of people, formed on the basis of certain behavioral consciousness, according to this hypothesis, is formed on the basis of serving as the basis for building an ethnic tradition.

Constructivism

The concept of "ethnos", the definition of which is a subject of controversy and disagreement among ethnologists, is defined as an artificial formation from the point of view of constructivism and is considered as the result of purposeful human activity. In other words, this theory claims that ethnicity is variable and does not fall within the circle of objectively given things like gender and nationality. One ethnic group differs from another in features, which, in the framework of this theory, are called ethnic markers. They are created on a different basis, for example, religion, language, appearance (in that part of it that can be changed).

Instrumentalism

This radical theory claims that ethnicity is shaped by vested interests, called the ethnic elite, as a tool to achieve certain goals. But in itself, ethnicity, as a system of identity, she does not pay attention. Ethnicity, according to this hypothesis, is only a tool, and in everyday life it remains in a state of latency. Within the theory, there are two directions that differentiate the ethnos by the nature of its application - elitist and economic instrumentalism. The first of them draws attention to the role played by ethnic elites in awakening and maintaining feelings and self-awareness within society. Economic instrumentalism, on the other hand, focuses on the economic condition of various groups. Among other things, he postulates economic inequality as the cause of conflicts between members of various

Not only in the specialized humanities and teachings, we are faced with such a concept as ethnos. It can be found in colloquial speech, at home, at work, etc. But how exactly to understand what an ethnos is, what exactly is meant by this term and what are its characteristics? Let's figure it out.

First, let's look at what Wikipedia tells us in this case. As you know, this is a very popular resource that gives the most accurate definition of any term and allows you to thoroughly understand its meaning.

So, an ethnos is a set of people, which was formed under the influence of a historical factor.

These people are united by common subjective or objective factors, such as origin, language, economy, culture, self-consciousness, territory of residence, mentality, appearance, etc.

It can also be noted that in Russian history and ethnography (ethnology), the synonym for the concept under consideration is the term nationality. In other languages ​​and cultures, this word - Nationality (English) has a slightly different meaning.

The word "ethnos" has Greek roots. From the ancient version of this language, the term is translated as “people”, which, in fact, is not surprising. Despite its long history, the word appeared in scientific use relatively recently - in 1923, after it was introduced by the scientist S.M. Shirokogorov.

As Wikipedia told us, ethnicity is a set of factors that unite a certain group of people into a society that lives and functions as a single organism.

But now let's move away from dry treatises and consider this issue from a more "human" point of view.

For every person living on our planet, his belonging to a particular society is extremely important.

This factor plays a decisive role in the formation of his consciousness and self-identification in the world. It is also important to know that not only for individuals, but also for each state, the ethnic process is the most important thing.

It is extremely important that ethnic relations (as we know, it is difficult to imagine at least one modern country where people of a single nationality would live) remain normal. If misunderstandings arise between people within the same power, this can cause a war against the backdrop of ethnic conflicts.

It is not enough for a modern ethnologist just to know the essence of this concept. It is extremely important to understand the psychology of each individual people, the peculiarities of their behavior, the reaction to certain events, impressions and a host of other factors.

After all, it is believed that in the near future the only ideology by which the entire world community will live will be precisely ethnic self-consciousness.

Features of the formation of ethnic groups

Having given an exact definition of what an ethnos is, it is worth learning about the nature of its formation.

This process cannot be compared with the creation of a living cell or an organism that grows (that is, forms) over a short period of time, and then remains unchanged for a long period.

Ethnos is constantly being formed, and this process never ends.

Yes, of course, specific racial-territorial (or national) units already exist on the planet, which we call states, and they are a reflection of one or another ethnic group.

They were formed a long time ago, but if we compare representatives of a certain nationality from the past with contemporaries, then the difference will be stunning.

What factors influence the formation and further development of nations that unite into states?

• common homeland. We can say that people who were born on the same earth will definitely interact in this world together.
• natural conditions. Like it or not, it is the weather and climate in which people have to live that forms their self-awareness. People either get used to hiding from the cold in warm houses, or escape the heat, or resist the winds.
• Racial closeness. Once upon a time, people did not have the opportunity to travel as plentifully as they do now. Each racial family lived where it originated in full accordance with its child nature of dwelling.
• Ethnic relations are also formed through similar religious and social views.

Interesting to know! Ethnos and ethnic relationships are a dynamic structure that is constantly undergoing transformations and changes, but at the same time it manages to maintain its originality and stability.

What is the ethnos made of?

Above, we have already touched briefly on those factors that unite a certain group of people and make it one.

Well, now let's take a closer look at what an ethnos can include as a dynamic, but at the same time a reference concept.

• Racial unity. This factor has more to do with primitive ethnic groups, which really formed from one race of people living in a particular area of ​​the world. Nowadays, the formation of a nation occurs due to assimilation, so now it is difficult to find purebred representatives of a particular nationality. In general, the concept of nationality is an association of people who live in the same country, speak the same language and adhere to the same religious views.
• Language is an extremely important component. As a rule, the language includes many dialects that can characterize representatives of the same people living in different regions of the same country.
• Religion is one of the most powerful factors that unites people and forms ethnic relations between them.
• The ethnonym is the name of the people, which was invented by him and recognized by all other communities. It happens that the self-name and the name of the ethnic group in the rest of the world do not match.
• Self-awareness. This is perhaps a definition that is not subject to further explanation. People recognize themselves as part of the ethnic group in which they were born and live and self-identify in where there are many other nationalities along with them.
• History is the foundation. All ethnic groups exist precisely due to their history, during which their formation, development and evolution took place. Our Russian people know for sure that a state simply cannot exist without history, and this proverb or folk truth is equated with a scientific definition.

Types of ethnic group

And now, looking in retrospect, let's figure out what an ethnos or nationality and its types can be.

• Genus. A type of ethnic community that consists of a group of exclusively blood relatives who have a common mother or a common father. They always have common interests and needs, and they also have a common generic name.
• Tribe. This type of ethnic group is characteristic of the primitive system. A tribe consists of two or more clans that live in the neighborhood and have similar interests and needs. Quite often in tribes there is an assimilation of sorts.
• Nationality. This type became a follower of the tribe as a more modern embodiment of society and its features. Nationality is formed from a geographical, national, social and historical factor.
• Nation. This type of ethnic community is considered the highest. It is characterized not only by a single language and interests, but also by self-consciousness, territorial boundaries, symbols and other paraphernalia, which is a global indicator.

Surely you wondered what ethnic groups exist today and how they need to be correctly identified. The main determinant for this term is the population size within a particular state where a particular people lives.

Let's look at examples of peoples who are now the largest on the planet:

• Chinese - 1 billion people
• Hindustanis - 200 million people
• Americans (US territory) - 180 million people.
• Bengalis - 180 million people
• Russians - 170 million people.
• Brazilians - 130 million people.
• Japanese - 125 million people.

An interesting detail: before America was discovered, such ethnic groups as Brazilians and Americans did not exist.

They were formed after the Europeans settled the new land, and now the Americans (like the Brazilians) are a race of mestizos, in whose roots both Indian and European blood flows.

Here are examples of nationalities that are very small compared to the previous list. Their population is limited to a few hundred people:

• Yukagira is an ethnic group living in Yakutia.
• Izhors are Finns who live in the territory of the Leningrad region.

Interethnic relations

This definition applies to psychology, both individual and social.

Interethnic relations are called subjective experiences between representatives of different nationalities.

They manifest themselves both in everyday life and at the international level. An example of such international relations on a small scale can be a family whose parents are representatives of different ethnic groups.

The nature of interethnic relations can be positive, neutral or conflict. Everything depends on the psychology of each nationality, on its history and relationships that have evolved over the years with one or another other ethnic group.

Interesting to know! It is the population size that is the main factor that reveals the history, features and current position of the ethnic group on the world stage. This means that the formation of a large and a small ethnic group will be completely different.

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Summing up

Ethnos is an unstable and dynamic concept, but at the same time it is something permanent, having its own clear history and roots. The ethnic groups that we know today were formed from pre-existing tribes that are no longer with us.

The national map of our planet has been constantly changing, but people, being in the eternal search for their "I", will always return to the origins and look for their ancestors.

An ethnos and an ethnic group must take into account the fact that there are ethnic groups created artificially in the form of an association of people by conviction, and there are natural ethnic groups that are created according to their own convictions, and those that are formed under the influence of a certain group.

In ethnology

In ethnology, the term ethnic group is identical to the concept of sub-ethnos: an ethnic group identified on a regional basis, but having cultural, linguistic, and other features that are different from the local population. Such groups are characterized by their own self-consciousness.

In sociology

Today, one of the most common meanings of an ethnic group is a set of people of one who are localized not on their historical territory, but on the territory of other peoples, in other states (not titular). In this case, the number of members of an ethnic group may be in the hundreds, thousands, or even millions. As a rule, members of an ethnic group settle as close as possible to each other (typical: Chinatowns, reservations, etc.). At the same time, all members of an ethnic group are united not by political and territorial features, but by one language, culture and traditions.

In many countries of the world, such ethnic groups are recognized as a social minority. For various reasons, they are separated from their ethnic group and forced their livelihoods outside of it.

In political science

In some cases, the term ethnic group is defined as an association of several ethnic groups according to certain criteria. They usually have a similar racial background. Those close to each other may belong to the same ethnic group. One example is the ethnic group of ancient Slavs or Germans.

ETHNOS, -a, m. (2nd half of the 20th century). Historically established stable social community of people; tribe, people, nation. The state of the German ethnos in Russia. This is typical for any ethnic group..

Greek ethnos - people, tribe.

L.M. Bash, A.V. Bobrova, G.L. Vyacheslov, R.S. Kimyagarova, E.M. Sendrowits. Modern dictionary of foreign words. Interpretation, word usage, word formation, etymology. M., 2001, p. 922.

Classification of ethnic groups

CLASSIFICATION OF ETHNOIS - the distribution of the ethnic groups of the world into semantic groups depending on certain signs, parameters of this type of community of people. There are several classifications, groups, but the most common of them are areal and ethnolinguistic classifications. In the areal classification, peoples are grouped into large regions, called historical-ethnographic or traditional-cultural regions, within which a certain cultural community has developed in the course of a long historical development. This commonality can be traced primarily in various elements of material culture, as well as in individual phenomena of spiritual culture. The areal classification can be regarded as a kind of historical-ethnographic zoning...

ethnicity

ETHNICITY is a category widely used in science, denoting the existence of culturally distinct (ethnic) groups and identities. In domestic social science, the term "ethnos" is more widely used in all cases when it comes to ethnic communities (peoples) of various historical and evolutionary types (tribe, nationality, nation). The concept of ethnos implies the existence of homogeneous, functional and static characteristics that distinguish this group from others with different parameters of the same characteristics.

Ethnos (Lopukhov, 2013)

ETHNOS - a historically emerged, localized, stable, large group of people, united by a common landscape, territory, language, economic structure, culture, social system, mentality, i.e., an ethnos combines both biological and social properties, this phenomenon and natural, anthropological and sociocultural. Ethnic groups include only tribes, nationalities and nations. They were preceded by another genetic chain: family, clan, clan.

Ethnos (DES, 1985)

ETHNOS (from the Greek ethnos - society, group, tribe, people), a historically established stable community of people - a tribe, nationality, nation. The main conditions for the emergence of an ethnos is the common territory and language, which usually act later as signs of an ethnos; often ethnic groups are formed from multilingual groups (for example, many nations of America). In the course of the development of economic ties, under the influence of the characteristics of the natural environment, contacts with other peoples, etc.

Ethnic Group (NiRM, 2000)

ETHNIC GROUP, the most common designation in science for an ethnic community (people, ), which is understood as a group of people that has a common ethnic identity, shares a common name and elements of culture and is in fundamental ties with other communities, including state ones. The historical conditions for the emergence of an ethnic group (ethnogenesis) are considered to be the presence of a common territory, economy and language.

Ethnos (Kuznetsov, 2007)

ETHNOS, ethnic community - a set of people who have a common culture, usually speak the same language and are aware of both their commonality and their difference from members of other similar human groups. Ethnoms are Russians, French, Czechs, Serbs, Scots, Walloons, etc. An ethnos may consist of: a) an ethnic core - the main part of the ethnos living compactly in a certain territory; b) ethnic periphery - compact groups of representatives of a given ethnic group, one way or another separated from its main part, and, finally, c) ethnic diasporas - individual members of an ethnic group scattered over territories occupied by other ethnic communities. A number of ethnic groups are subdivided into

The concept of "ethnos" includes a historically established set of people who have a certain number of common subjective or objective characteristics. These features include origin, language, cultural and economic characteristics, mentality and self-awareness, phenotypic and genotypic data, as well as the territory of long-term residence.

The word "ethnos" Greek roots and literally translates as "the people". The word "nationality" can be considered a synonym for this definition in Russian. The term "ethnos" was introduced into scientific terminology in 1923 by the Russian scientist S.M. Shirokogorov. He gave the first definition of this word.

How is the formation of an ethnic group

Among the ancient Greeks, the word "ethnos" was adopted refer to other nations who were not Greeks. For a long time in the Russian language, the word “people” was used as an analogue. Definition of S.M. Shirokogorov made it possible to emphasize the commonality of culture, relationships, traditions, way of life and language.

Modern science allows us to interpret this concept from 2 points of view:

The origin and formation of any ethnic group implies a large length in time. Most often, this formation occurs around a specific language or religious beliefs. Based on this, we often pronounce such phrases as "Christian culture", "Islamic world", "Romance group of languages".

The main conditions for the emergence of an ethnic group are the presence common territory and language. These same factors are further supporting factors and the main distinguishing features of a particular ethnic group.

Among the additional factors influencing the formation of an ethnic group, one can note:

1. shared religious beliefs.
2. Proximity from a racial point of view.
3. The presence of transitional interracial groups (mestizo).

The factors that unite an ethnic group include:

1. Specific features of material and spiritual culture.
2. Community of life.
3. Group psychological characteristics.
4. A common awareness of oneself and an idea of ​​a common origin.
5. The presence of an ethnonym - a self-name.

Ethnos is essentially a complex dynamic system that is constantly undergoing transformation processes and at the same time maintains its stability.

The culture of each ethnic group retains a certain constancy and simultaneously changes over time from one era to another. Features of national culture and self-knowledge, religious and spiritual and moral values ​​leave an imprint on the nature of the biological self-reproduction of the ethnos.

Features of the existence of ethnic groups and their patterns

The historically formed ethnos acts as an integral social organism and has the following ethnic relations:

1. Self-reproduction occurs through repeated homogeneous marriages and the transmission from generation to generation of traditions, self-consciousness, cultural values, language and religious characteristics.
2. In the course of their existence, all ethnic groups undergo a number of processes within themselves - assimilation, consolidation, etc.
3. In order to strengthen their existence, most ethnic groups strive to create their own state, which allows them to regulate relations both within themselves and with other groups of peoples.

The patterns of peoples can be considered behavioral models of relationships, which are typical for individual representatives. This also includes behavioral models that characterize individual social groups that are formed within the nation.

Ethnos can be simultaneously considered as a natural-territorial and socio-cultural phenomenon. As a kind of link that supports the existence of a particular ethnic group, some researchers suggest considering the hereditary factor and endogamy. However, one cannot but admit that the quality of the nation's gene pool is significantly influenced by conquests, the standard of living, and historical and cultural traditions.

The hereditary factor is tracked primarily in anthropometric and phenotypic data. However, anthropometric indicators do not always completely coincide with ethnicity. According to another group of researchers, the constancy of the ethnic group is due to national identity. However, such self-consciousness can simultaneously act as an indicator of collective activity.

The unique self-awareness and perception of the world of one or another ethnic group may directly depend on what its activity in the development of the environment is. The same type of activity can be perceived and evaluated differently in the minds of different ethnic groups.

The most stable mechanism that allows preserving the uniqueness, integrity and stability of an ethnic group is its culture and common historical destiny.

Ethnos and its types

Traditionally, ethnicity is considered primarily as a generic concept. Based on this idea, it is customary to distinguish three types of ethnic groups:

1. Genus-tribe (species characteristic of primitive society).
2. Nationality (a characteristic type in the slave and feudal centuries).
3. The notion of a nation is characteristic of a capitalist society.

There are basic factors that unite representatives of one nation:

Clans and tribes were historically the very first types of ethnic groups. Their existence lasted several tens of thousands of years. As the way of life and the structure of mankind developed and became more complex, the concept of nationality appeared. Their appearance is associated with the formation of tribal unions in the common territory of residence.

Factors in the development of peoples

Today in the world there are several thousand ethnic groups. All of them differ in the level of development, mentality, population, culture and language. There may be significant differences in racial and external criteria.

For example, the number of ethnic groups such as Chinese, Russians, Brazilians exceeds 100 million people. Along with such gigantic peoples, there are varieties in the world, the number of which does not always reach ten people. The level of development of different groups can also vary from the most highly developed to those living according to primitive communal principles. Every nation has own language, however, there are ethnic groups that simultaneously use several languages.

In the process of interethnic interactions, processes of assimilation and consolidation are launched, as a result of which a new ethnic group may gradually form. The socialization of an ethnic group proceeds due to the development of such social institutions as the family, religion, school, etc.

The following factors can be attributed to unfavorable factors for the development of the nation:

1. High mortality rate among the population, especially in childhood.
2. High prevalence of respiratory infections.
3. Alcohol and drug addiction.
4. The destruction of the institution of the family - a high number of single-parent families, divorces, abortions, parents abandoning children.
5. Low quality of life.
6. High unemployment.
7. High crime rate.
8. Social passivity of the population.

Classification and examples of ethnos

Classification is carried out according to a variety of parameters, the simplest of them is the number. This indicator not only characterizes the state of the ethnos at the current moment, but also reflects the nature of its historical development. Usually, formation of large and small ethnic groups proceeds in completely different ways. The level and nature of interethnic interactions depend on the number of one or another ethnic group.

Examples of the largest ethnic groups include the following (according to data from 1993):

The total number of these peoples is 40% of the total population of the globe. There is also a group of ethnic groups with a population of 1 to 5 million people. They make up about 8% of the total population.

Most small ethnic groups may number several hundred people. An example is the Yukagiru, an ethnic group living in Yakutia, and the Izhorians, a Finnish ethnic group inhabiting the territories in the Leningrad region.

Another classification criterion is the population dynamics in ethnic groups. The minimum population growth is observed in Western European ethnic groups. The maximum growth is noted in the countries of Africa, Asia, Latin America.