Ethnic Boundary Analysis

In many ways ethnic boundary markets and the categorization of race can be seen as a very similar to one another. On page 158 of the text we are presented with the definition of ethnic boundary markers, is an attempt to signify who is in a particular group and who isn’t. These may include a collective name, shared cultural practices such as food, clothing, and architecture; a belief in a common ancestors; association with a particular territory; a shared language or religion; and an imagination of shared physical characteristics. These ethnic boundaries are not clearly defined and can change just a frequently as they are made up. The movement of groups of people through marriage, migration and adoption all contract this set notion of ethnic
While there are many current day examples of ethnic boundary markers I came up with examples that many of us might be familiar with. Those that are practice Judaism or men who are Jewish often wear a Kippah on top of their head. This is not only for religious practices, but can also be a way to identify or signify an ethnical boundary marker of an individual who practices Judaism in a public setting. A second example of ethic boundary markers would be Italians. Italians express these ethnic boundary markers in two unique ways. Upon meeting you, Italians of both genders will kiss you on both your right and left cheek while embracing you at the same time. While us Americans might think of this as a sexual expression or introducing on our “personal bubble” it is a very common gesture to encounter first hand or witness in society. Secondly, Italians are always using their hands in self-expression while in conversation. While an Italian’s mouth is speaking, their hands are virtually doing the same thing. The third example of ethnic boundary markers, which in a way is similar to the Jewish Kippah is that of the Taqiyah prayer cap worn by Muslim men. These sort, rounded, skullcaps are worn for religious purposes and for the five daily prayers under the