essay

Ethnic group, category, and identity: Karen in northern Thailand

ethnic adaptation and identity : the karen on the thai frontier with burmaPhiladelphia • Published In 1979 • Pages: 119-163

By: Kunstadter, Peter.

Abstract
This document proposes to examine aspects of Karen ethnic identity in northern Thailand by differentiating among the concepts of ethnic group, ethnic identity, and ethnic category. The author argues that this distinction is useful to better explain the Karen peoples unique experience as an ethnically homogeneous, and yet cultural diverse, group. The author supports this argument with ethnographic accounts of the varied experiences of Karen men and women from different geographical communities.
Subjects
Cultural identity and pride
Community structure
Speech
Linguistic identification
Community structure
Inter-ethnic relations
Inter-community relations
Ethnic stratification
Settlement patterns
Real property
Missions
Regulation of marriage
Prayers and sacrifices
Labor supply and employment
Community heads
Local officials
Territorial hierarchy
Acculturation and culture contact
culture
Karen
HRAF PubDate
2012
Region
Asia
Sub Region
Southeast Asia
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Anthropologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Teferi Abate Adem; 2011
Field Date
1965-1968
Coverage Date
1830-1979
Coverage Place
Karen people, Thailand
Notes
Peter Kunstadter
for bibliographical references see document 37: Keyes
LCCN
79012448
LCSH
Karen (Southeast Asian people)--Ethnic identity
Thailand--Social life and customs