Book

Nationalism and hybridity in Mongolia

Clarendon Press ; Oxford University PressOxford • Published In 1998 • Pages:

By: Bulag, Uradyn Erden.

Abstract
This is a study of modern Mongolian identity by an author of mixed Mongolian-Chinese parentage from Inner Mongolia. On a trip to Mongolia, Bulag encountered prejudice by locals, who considered him Chinese, not Mongolian. This personal experience prompted this study. Bulag examines the difference and tension between a narrow subethnic-based nationalism and a more open, pan-Mongolianism, and how past political history, current geopolitics, and socialist and capitalist development have influenced both types of identity. He discusses how under Soviet-sponsored socialist development, the Hahl ethnic group became institutionalized as the authentic Mongolian identity, thus marginalizing all other Mongolian ethnic groups in the country. Bulag also discusses the racialization of Mongol identity evident in the public discourse on the Mongolian blue spot, perceived rise in the incidence of mental retardation, and use of the category of 'half-breed' (ERLIIZ) to describe Inner Mongolians. Bulag argues that in the past, hybrid groups were able to form their own clans and thereby remain part of the tribe. However, no equivalent mechanism exists today. Invoking the work of Salman Rushdie, Bulag advocates for the future of a hybrid Inner Mongolian identity, one situated between Mongolia's racialized identity and China's Han-centric Chinese identity.
Subjects
Cultural identity and pride
Ethnic stratification
Tribe and nation
Form and rules of government
External relations
Disabilities
Ideas about nature and people
culture
Mongolia
HRAF PubDate
2006
Region
Asia
Sub Region
Central Asia
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnographer
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ; 2005
Field Date
1991-1992
Coverage Date
1990-1992
Coverage Place
Mongolia and Inner Mongolia, China
Notes
Uradyn E. Bulag
Includes bibliographical references (p. [274]-296) and index
LCCN
97039268
LCSH
Mongolia