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Ethnicity and Citizenship

Afari women in Ethiopia

The Ethnicity and Citizenship research theme recognises the importance of ethnicity to the study of contemporary societies and polities, and to prospects for social justice and social cohesion. Research focuses on two main dimensions: the politics of multiculturalism, ethno-religious identities, challenges to secularism and the nation state; and ethnicity and socio-economic structures, with a special focus on racialised exclusion.

Based around the Centre for the Study of Ethnicity and Citizenship in the Department of Sociology and the Bristol Institute of Public Affairs, the theme co-ordinates and promotes the study of ethnicity in two broad areas:

  • Ethnicity and state structures, the politics of multiculturalism and other forms of ‘difference’, including gendered ethnicity and ethno-religious identities, challenges to secularism, the nation-state and other conceptions of citizenship.
  • Ethnicity and socio-economic structures, with a particular focus on racialised exclusion, inter-generational poverty, labour markets, education, ethnic stratification and social mobility, ethnic competition and ethnic networks as an economic resource.

With the growth of the Muslim populations in western Europe and concerns about integration, a special regional and comparative focus has emerged on Muslims and the place of religion in public affairs.

Theme members collaborate with partners in the UK, the rest of Europe and North America, and are involved in global networks. Activities are pursued through funded research, publications, conferences and seminars, with public engagement being a priority.

Current core activities include:

Further information:

Contacts