Discussed in this paper is the range of ethnic identities utilized by three North American Gypsy groups: the Rom, Romnicel and Ludar groups. Cultural characteristics that each group considers essential to its ethnic identity are described. In addition, the groups are compared with respect to their own perceptions of cultural similarity and…

As result of personal experience, author examines two cultural groups, with Chinese approach leading to group unity and contentment through conformity. Person-centered approach leads to sense of community and sense of freedom coupled with anxiety from being responsible for choosing one's life. (Author/CMG)

Describes powwow practices, participants, music, and dance, as well as conflicts over gender issues, secular versus spiritual interests, and relations between Indians and non-Indians. Argues that the powwow is best understood in dual paradoxical terms: it plays a unifying role in Indian life, affirming tribal and supratribal identity and…

This conference paper presents the "ethnic matrix," a theoretical model of the process of ethnicity which describes how ethnic identity is sustained or diminished in the life of an individual or ethnic group. After a general introduction, the first of the paper's three major sections presents a research review and overview of historical and…

Literature reviews suggest that Mexican-American students place more emphasis on cooperation and group than on individual achievement. Education may be enhanced when teachers reinforce "successful behavior." Problems may arise using U.S.-based theories of "democratic" leadership styles because Mexican-American culture places emphasis on…

America evolved out of the principles of the eighteenth-century Enlightenment, suggesting that individuals could govern themselves and that people were "endowed" with "unalienable rights" such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. To secure these principles, Americans would continue to work on forming a more perfect Union, by…

The acculturation of two ethnic groups in Oklahoma was compared. Hispanics seemed to be more assimilated than Southeast Asians. Both groups were more assimilated in their work places and residences than in friendships. Ethnic networking reduced assimilation. Biculturalism was the most satisfactory form of acculturation, followed by assimilation,…

Discusses reasons behind the large influx of Jamaicans into New York City, and discusses their attitudes, experiences, and plans. Predicts that despite the hardships Jamaicans encounter in New York (cold weather, prejudice, and crime), economic opportunities available will cause most of them to stay rather than return to their native land. (GC)

Educational researchers must clarify the distinction between the terms "ethnicity" and "ethnic membership." The use of broad terms based on easily observed traits, such as racial characteristics or language, has infiltrated otherwise well-executed studies and undermined their validity. (PP)

Suggests that the difficulties encountered by Westerners in learning Chinese are the result of native language interference, and interference caused by different customs and ways of thinking. A contrastive analysis of the different cultural aspects of Chinese and Western ways of thinking is presented. (VWL)

Conducted two studies with Nigerian and Canadian undergraduates participating as observers of videotaped Hausa and Ibo actors, cast in their ethnic schema-consistent and schema-inconsistent roles. Nigerian group modestly supported hypothesis that the phenomenon of ingroup favoritism/outgroup discrimination should be limited to schema-consistent…

Correlates an ethnic group's preparedness to adapt in a foreign country with its success in establishing and maintaining a cultural enclave. Examines the effect of socioeconomic adaptation on the daily lives of "persistent peoples." Attempts to balance psycho-cultural and social-structural perspectives in the study of "middleman…

Provides an overview of the development of links between culture and higher education in Europe. Suggests that universities can bridge the gap between technical and humanistic cultures. Urges that universities work to maintain cultural diversity that can contribute to the advancement of global civilization through cooperation. (DK)

In the wake of the civil rights movement, new organizations formed which were based on the collective interests and identities of their constituencies. Some of these organizations brought together national origin groups who often differed by ethnicity, language, culture, religion and immigration history. In this paper, I focus on the conditions…

Color Me Human, an initiative of Hawkeye Community College to provide student leadership and commitment by fostering greater appreciation for campus diversity, was implemented in 1996 through a student-driven approach. The Color Me Human Program not only embraces diversity, but builds individual commitment and community among students, faculty,…