Introduction and Definitions of Ethnicity

Welcome to the Seton Hall University Libraries Ethnicity and Ethnic Studies research guide. Since the eras, events, individuals and facets of historical development within the course of society building are many and varied, this is not a comprehensive list of resources, but rather a starting point on your personal path to discovery. This guide is inter-disciplinary in focus and covers various aspects of racial definitions, relations, and other points of information related to this study area. 

In many cases, the field of Ethnicity connects closely with that of Race and visa versa. Therefore, access to the Race and Racial Studies LibGuide produced via the Seton Hall University Libraries is another recommended resource worth consultation. Thank you.

Welcome to the Seton Hall University Libraries Study of Ethnic and Ethnicity Studies research guide. Since the eras, events, individuals and facets of historical development within the course of society building are many and varied, this is not a comprehensive list of resources, but rather a starting point on your personal path to discovery. This guide is inter-disciplinary in focus and covers various aspects of racial definitions, relations, and other points of information related to this study area. 

The following is the definition of "Ethnic" taken from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary - https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethnic

Definition of ETHNIC for Students

1a: of or relating to large groups of people classed according to common racial, national, tribal, religious, linguistic, or cultural origin or background

        / / ethnic minorities

        / / ethnic enclaves

b: being a member of a specified ethnic group

        / / an ethnic German

c: of, relating to, or characteristic of a minority ethnic group

        / / ethnic neighborhoods

        / / ethnic foods

2: of or relating to the Gentiles or to nations not converted to Christianity : HEATHEN, PAGAN… ancient ethnic revels of a faith long since forsaken …— Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The following is the definition of "Ethnic Group" taken from the Encyclopedia Britannica - 

Ethnic Group – Social group or category of the population that, in a larger society, is set apart and bound together by common ties of LANGUAGE, nationality, or CULTURE. Ethnic diversity, the legacy of political conquests and migrations, is one aspect of the social complexity found in most contemporary societies. The nation-state has traditionally been uneasy with ethnic diversity, and nation-states, have often attempted to eliminate or expel ethnic groups. Most nations today practice some form of PLURALISM, which usually rests on a combination of toleration, interdependence, and separatism. The concept of ethnicity is more important today than ever, as a result of the spread of doctrines of freedom, self-determination, and democracy.  

This page is dedicated to providing each user with an introduction to resources connected to Ethnicity through specific materials related to this particular subject theme available through each of the catalogs, databases, and other research sites supported by the Seton Hall University Libraries and available via its homepage.  The hyperlink below will feature a starter list to build upon and specific topics can also be tested through subsequent search attempts via the University Libraries homepage (link found below).  Precise terms that include the name of a person(s), place(s), object(s), etc. can be tried along with to narrow down a particular search.  (ex: "Ethnicity" and "New Jersey")  (ex: "African" or "Asian" or "French" or "Irish" or "Italian" or "Latino" or "Polish" or "Swedish," etc.  (other synonyms include - "Race" or "Ancestral" or "Cultural" or "Genetic" or "National," etc.