Lecture: European Policy and Practices towards Ethnic Minorities
Lecturer: Antonin Mikes
Student: Puja Daya
Date: November 2, 2015
AQCI: Phinney, J. et al (2001) “Ethnic Identity, Immigration, and Well-Being: An
Interactional Perspective” Journal of Social Issues, Vol. 57, No. 3, pp 493-510
Other Texts: Birch, A. (1989) Nationalism and National Integration, London: Unwin
Hyman Ltd, chapter 4: “National integration”, pp. 36-51
Central Quotation: “Ethnic and national identities and their role is adaptation can best be
understood in terms of an interaction between the attitudes and characteristics of immigrants
and the responses of the receiving society, moderated by the particular circumstances of the
immigrant group within the new society” (Phinney et al, 2001: 494).
Argument: The text takes an interactional approach with discussion of past literature and
research alongside evidence from their own research based in the USA, Finland, Israel and
Netherlands. Through this the prospects of national identity through the two dimensional
model are conveyed with reference to other models with a conclusion based around the
conception that national identity is variable whilst ethnic identity is always evident. Further
concluding with the belief that “societies need to find a balance between encouraging cultural
retention and promoting adaptation to the larger society” (Phinney et al, 2011: 506).
Question: The text ends itself on a note that more research is needed for a further developed
understanding of the integration of ethnic minorities, especially as numbers are growing.
However, it does not convey what research should be done and how it will in first hand help
newcomers/ethnic minorities in different societies. Further, if such research does take place,
what are the chances of them being referred to and having an impact on public policy.
Experimental Connection: It was in particular interesting to read about the four
acculturation strategies (integration, assimilation, separation and marginalisation) and
compare them to my own upbringing and integration, especially within school alongside how
others of different ethnic minorities may have adapted in different ways. Further, the
quotation noted in the text “it is not necessary for immigrants to give up their culture of
origin in order to adapt to the new society” is completely relevant in todays society, at least
this is the case when observing England. I like that take your own upbringing in England as
an example of how minorities are adapting to society. Maybe go a bit more in detail and add
how you yourself think about the four acculturation strategies and what you have witnessed
in your own circle of friends and family
Textual Connection: In the famous, Nationalism and National Integration it is suggested
that “both economic and political integration can be distinguished from social integration,
though they are of course related to it” (Birch, 1989: 49). Whereas the following text fails to
identify a clear distinction between economics, politics, society and concentrates on the
social aspect of integration without reference to concepts that are important when studying
the topic in hand. I think Birch is the right text to compare to the literature you have chosen
for your assignment
Implications: The argument portrayed in this text allows one to understand the distinctions
between and illustrates the relationships within the state alongside identity, immigration and
adaption from the authors research. It gives a first hand view of different models in regards to
immigrant integration within a new society allowing the reader to gain a deeper
understanding of social and cultural reality. The fact it highlights the need for further research
is important as it stops one taking the text a 100 percentfor granted. I agree with you. Maybe
add what the need for further research could mean for policy-makers
Department of Public and
Self assessment form
Social Policy, Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University
AQCI ASSESSMENT FORM
Student’s
name:
Puja Daya
Name of
assessor:
Myself
Helene Fritzsche
Date:
20/10/15
Essay title:
Excel
lent
1) Is the chosen quotation central to the
author’s argument?
Go
od
Aver
age
Not
accept
able
Comments
xH
I think the quote does reflect the
central argument of Phinney
xH
In my opinion the main argument
was very well understood
2) Has the main argument been fully
understood (including its ‘for’ and
‘against’ sides, if applicable)?
xH
For researchers it definitely is. But
content-wise another questions
might have been more interesting for
the reader
x
It has not been answered in the text
3a) Is the question raised
important/relevant/interesting?
3b) Has this question not been fully
answered in the text?
Po
or
H
xH
See in-text comment
4) Is the experiential connection
relevant/interesting?
H
5a) Is the textual connection
relevant/interesting?
5b) Has it been cited properly?
5c) Has it been adequately explained
how the present text's argument
contrasts with, contradicts, confirms,
clarifies, or elaborates the other text's
argument or point?
7) Expression/Presentation
See in-text comment
x
Sources have been named and intext references have been included
See in-text comment
xH
H
xH
6) Have the implications been well
understood, can they have a practical
impact for policy making?
x
See in-text comment
a) Are the style, grammar and general
use of English adequate?
b) Is the AQCI professionally presented?
Essay grade:
Further comments:
xH
Perfectly adequate
xH
The AQCI is very need and well
presented