Intergroup differences refer to the differences between different ethnic groups while
intragroup differences refer to the differences within specific ethnic groups. There are a number
of things that can be compared when viewing intergroup differences among different ethnic
groups. This can include differences in language, religion, cultural norms, social values, and
historical experiences. Each ethnic group differs in its own way and has unique experiences and
traditions within each group. Some of these differences can differ when it comes to food,
clothing, social interactions, family structure, and other aspects of their daily lives. For example,
I have learned in previous courses about Indigenous ethnic groups having a high value for elders
within their communities. We also see many cultural groups having a strong emphasis on the
importance of family in their ethnic groups. For example, in Latin American cultures, family
plays an important role in their social support and are valued.
When viewing each individual's ethnic group's unique traditional experiences within
historical history, we can see how they were able to shape their cultural norms and traditions.
This can include experiences such as colonization, displacement, or immigration. For example,
many African American ancestors were brought to the United States as slaves during the colonial
period. Whereas, Asian Americans came to the United States as immigrants. These differences
each shape how the ethnic groups built their unique cultures from past experiences. There are
also differences in socioeconomic status within ethnic cultures. This can impact how each ethnic
cultures are able to have access to resources, opportunities, and experiences to build themselves.
For example, Indigenous groups have been found to have challenges in economic and social
status due to their long history of colonization and displacement from their tribal homelands.
My ethnic group is Arab American. Within the Arab ethnic group, we can see some
intragroup differences between the different countries. There are many Arab countries and each
has shaped their own unique traditions and cultures that make them different from other Arab
ethnic groups. I have learned that although we all speak Arabic, depending on what country you
are from and sometimes what region of the country you are from, there are different dialects of
Arabic that each individual speaks. I have had a difficult time sometimes speaking to someone
from another country that also speaks Arabic due to learning a different dialect. For example, I
am from Palestine but speak a different dialect of Arabic than someone who is from Syria. There
are also differences in religion between different Arab groups. I have met a wide range of Arabs
who believe in different religions. The main religion in the Arab community is Muslim, but there
are also Arabs who practice other religions depending on what country or status they are from.
One main thing that I have noticed about Arab ethnic groups is the traditional values that
each partake in. For example, I have been to different weddings that range depending on the
country the person is and the way the wedding is set up is completely different. For example, my
family has two-day weddings where one is the traditional day called the “Henna” and the other is
the actual wedding day. Depending on the Arab country, some have just one-day weddings or
some have more than two! It is completely fascinating to see how different cultural values and
traditions can be within the same ethnic group. There are so many things that differ such as the
food, music, dancing, and even how the wedding is decorated. Another cultural difference is who
pays for the wedding. For example, in Palestinian culture, the groom or his family pays for the
wedding, but in Egyptian culture, the bride or her family pays for the wedding.
It is important to remain respectful and recognize bother intergroup and intragroup
differences in order to build relationships between different cultures and ethnic groups. This can
allow others to promote inclusivity by acknowledging and celebrating diversity. This is ideal for
further building an equal and harmonious society.