TY - JOUR
T1 - Decentring the Majority–Minority Paradigm
T2 - A Multidimensional Conceptualization of Inter-ethnic Relations Based on a Study of Chinese Canadians
AU - Tsang, A. Ka Tat
AU - Leung, Vivian W.Y.
AU - Tan, Weijia
AU - Chuang, Deng Min
AU - Hu, Ran
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.
PY - 2022/3
Y1 - 2022/3
N2 - Inter-ethnic research has been dominated by studies on majority–minority relations. The limited studies on relations among ethnic minority groups are usually restricted to a focus on attitudes and the cognitive domain, with little attention to actual behaviours. As Canada becomes increasingly diverse, it calls for a greater need in examining the interpersonal relationships among ethnic minority groups. A study originally designed to look at intra-group dynamics generated results that led the authors to decentre the dominant majority–minority view and explore inter-ethnic engagements. This report examines the subjective sense-making, actual performance, and management of inter-ethnic relations from Chinese Canadians’ perspectives. Data from individual interviews and focus groups with thirty-five Chinese Canadians show a multidimensional picture: factors such as participants’ needs, circumstances, characteristics, and capacities play a more significant role in shaping relationship development and maintenance. Results also reveal the complex and contingent nature of the sense-making and management of inter-ethnic relationships. These findings call for a more holistic view of individuals’ experiences that include cognitive, affective, and behavioural dimensions.
AB - Inter-ethnic research has been dominated by studies on majority–minority relations. The limited studies on relations among ethnic minority groups are usually restricted to a focus on attitudes and the cognitive domain, with little attention to actual behaviours. As Canada becomes increasingly diverse, it calls for a greater need in examining the interpersonal relationships among ethnic minority groups. A study originally designed to look at intra-group dynamics generated results that led the authors to decentre the dominant majority–minority view and explore inter-ethnic engagements. This report examines the subjective sense-making, actual performance, and management of inter-ethnic relations from Chinese Canadians’ perspectives. Data from individual interviews and focus groups with thirty-five Chinese Canadians show a multidimensional picture: factors such as participants’ needs, circumstances, characteristics, and capacities play a more significant role in shaping relationship development and maintenance. Results also reveal the complex and contingent nature of the sense-making and management of inter-ethnic relationships. These findings call for a more holistic view of individuals’ experiences that include cognitive, affective, and behavioural dimensions.
KW - Ethnic minority
KW - Inter-ethnic relations
KW - Minority–minority relationship
KW - Social distance
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85105596878&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=85105596878&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s12134-021-00826-0
DO - 10.1007/s12134-021-00826-0
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85105596878
SN - 1488-3473
VL - 23
SP - 183
EP - 204
JO - Journal of International Migration and Integration
JF - Journal of International Migration and Integration
IS - 1
ER -