Interethnic relations ... This term has recently quite often come from radio and television screens, and those interested in hot news can also find it on the pages of modern periodicals or popular Internet resources. Sometimes in a good context, but more often, you must admit, yet in a sad or anxious. Unfortunately…
In my article, I propose to consider this term in more detail, give it a definition, look into the history and give some typical examples.
Interethnic relations. Definition of a concept
Interethnic relations are a set of individually experienced relations between people who belong either to different nationalities, or are representatives of various ethnic communities. This concept is studied immediately by two social sciences: general psychology and ethnopsychology.
How do these relationships arise?
Yes, actually, they develop gradually, in the process of working or political life, and also arise from family, life, friendship and any other informal communication.
Depending on the historical past of a particular country, the socio-political situation, economic, cultural and living conditions of life, the nature of such relationships may change and take friendly, neutral or (in the worst case) negative forms. In addition, personal interest in communication can significantly affect it.
Interethnic relations. Their varieties and forms
Such relations can arise between representatives of different nationalities at the level of one state, and they, of course, can develop between different states or nations.
Scientists have managed to distinguish two main forms of interethnic relations:
- Ethnic mixing. It arises if different groups, spontaneously mingling among themselves, after a certain number of years begin to form one nation. As a rule, this happens through interethnic marriages. If you delve into history, you can find out that it was in this way that the Latin Americans once appeared, in the traditions of which the customs of the Spaniards, the Portuguese, the African slaves, and the local Aborigines are still mixed.
- Ethnic assimilation or absorption. It happens if one nation is almost completely dissolved in another, or even several at the same time. This can happen both in peacetime and in war. For example, without bloodshed and enslavement, the United States was formed. But in antiquity, everything happened much tougher, and as an example we can cite the conflict between Assyria and Rome.
If the assimilation scenario is violent, then a larger and stronger nation prohibits a second one, for example, using its own language or adhering to its own customs and traditions.
Interethnic relations. Ways to resolve conflicts
According to modern sociologists and political scientists, if relations between nations have reached an impasse and any attempts to get out of this situation, in the end, have led to its aggravation, there are several real ways to influence this conflict:
Recognize the existence of interethnic problems and solve them using national policy methods.
At the national level, realize the unacceptability of violence and the mastery of the culture of another people. Allow any nationality to exercise their freedoms and rights, respect their identity, language and customs, without showing any hostility or distrust.
To normalize the ethno-political situation, use various levers of the economy.
To create in those regions for which a mixed national composition is characteristic, various kinds of cultural infrastructure. For example, national centers, schools with the opportunity to attend classes in their native language, as well as give the opportunity to abide by all national traditions and customs.
To organize special international commissions, councils or other structures that will deal with the peaceful resolution of all emerging national disputes.
The problem of interethnic relations arises, first of all, where people do not hear each other and do not even want to try to agree peacefully.