essay

The Haitians: the cultural meaning of race and ethnicity

new immigrants in new yorkNew York • Published In 1987 • Pages: 131-158

By: Stafford, Susan Buchanan.

Abstract
This essay examines shifts in the symbolic meaning of race and ethnicity among Haitian immigrants in New York City, examining in the process Haitian concepts relevant to the meanings and perceptions of these terms. The article '…also shows that these meanings and perceptions have practical consequences for behaviour and social relationships -- not only between Haitians and other populations in New York, but also within the Haitian community itself' (p. 132). Stafford's analysis of her data indicate that Haitians are not merely passive in the adaptation to their new home in the United States, but quite contrary, are active agents in the process of culture change. Other ethnographic topics discussed in this work relate to the history of Haitian emigration to the United States, a demographic overview of the Haitian population, various features of the Haitian community in New York City, and the effects of the community on certain neighborhoods in the city.
Subjects
External migration
Cultural identity and pride
Settlement patterns
Ethnic stratification
Social relationships and groups
Inter-ethnic relations
Ethnosociology
culture
Haitian Americans
HRAF PubDate
1998
Region
North America
Sub Region
Regional, Ethnic and Diaspora Cultures
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Government Official
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
John Beierle ; 1997
Field Date
1974-1977
Coverage Date
1953-1980s
Coverage Place
New York, N.Y., United States
Notes
Susan Buchanan Stafford
Includes bibliographical references (p. 157-158)
LCCN
87006545
LCSH
Haitian Americans