The Illusory Nature of Ethnic Identity in Societal Contexts
Introduction In contemporary society, ethnic identity is predominantly subjective and lacks an objective basis, as human civilization has not preserved the purity of any race globally (Barth, 1969). Human interaction has facilitated cross-cultural relations for thousands of years. This raises the question of why the concept of ethnic identity, which claims an objective perspective, remains influential in ethnic or racial relations. Despite the absence of objective racial purity, ethnic identity continues to exert a significant influence on social dynamics and personal experiences (Phinney, 1990). This persistence can be attributed to deeply ingrained cultural narratives, historical legacies, and human inclination to seek belonging within defined groups (Cornell & Hartmann, 2007). Researchers have identified factors such as socialization, political manipulation, and the need for a collective identity as contributors to the enduring influence of ethnic categorization in modern societ...