Decentring the Majority–Minority Paradigm: A Multidimensional Conceptualization of Inter-ethnic Relations Based on a Study of Chinese Canadians

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 divers...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of international migration and integration 2022-03, Vol.23 (1), p.183-204
Main Authors: Tsang, A. Ka Tat, Leung, Vivian W. Y., Tan, Weijia, Chuang, Deng-Min, Hu, Ran
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Asian cultural groups
Chinese Canadians
Cognition
Cognitive ability
Cognitive-behavioral factors
Concept formation
Demography
Ethnic groups
Ethnic relations
Ethnicity
Group dynamics
Interpersonal relations
Migration
Minority & ethnic groups
Minority groups
Population Economics
Social Sciences
Sociology
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Summary: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.
ISSN:1488-3473
1874-6365
DOI:10.1007/s12134-021-00826-0