Question

What is ethnic homogenization? Discuss three main forms of ethnic homogenization and give examples of each.

Answer 1

Ethnic Homogenization is the idea to create a single ethnic group by eliminating other ethnicities. This may be done through assimilation or ethnic cleansing.

Main types of homogenization -

1. Ethnic Cleansing is the process of destroying people of other races or ethnicity. This further can be classified into two parts - (a) Genocide and (b) Relocation.

Genocide is physical cleansing by the extermination of the rival group. Whether Relocation is a forced removal or displacement.

2. Assimilation is the processing to assimilate the rival group. In assimilation, larger groups assimilate the smaller. This also can be classified into two parts - (a) Passive assimilation and (b) Forced Assimilation.

Passive assimilation is done through a natural process. No formal planning or evil intention is involved. Whether Forced assimilation is a planned and deliberate policy.

3. Cultural Genocide - This is the process, intentionally destroy the culture of the rival groups despite removing them physically.