Nationality policy / ethnic policy – the way a state manages its relations with national and ethnic groups living within its borders and how a state manages diversity among ethnic and nationality groups.
Ethnos – an ethnic community (wspólnota etniczna).
What factors play an important role in the process of nation-building?
Nation-building factors:
• geographical factors
• historical factors (wars, deportations, etc.)
• economic factors
• political factors
Nation – a historically shaped group. It often has its own territory (but not always) and is distinguished by a literary language and a developed culture.
How does an ethnic minority differ from a national minority?
Ethnic group (ethnic minority) – a long-lasting community of people who share the same culture. They often identify with a particular nation (for example, the Lemkos with the Ukrainian nation), but sometimes they do not (like the Roma).
National minority – a community living within a state that is not part of the dominant nation but identifies with another one (e.g., Czechs in Poland).
→ Conditions for being recognized as a national minority: p. 88.
Autochthons – members of an indigenous population who have lived in a given area for centuries (e.g., Native Americans).
Immigrants – people from another country who intend to settle permanently.
Regional group – a community living in a specific region whose members are aware of their cultural distinctiveness. However, this distinctiveness is not recognized legally, so they are considered part of the dominant nation.
What is the difference between assimilation and acculturation?
Assimilation – a process in which a minority gradually becomes similar to the dominant society.
Acculturation – the mutual influence and interaction between different cultures.