The Differential Construction of Ethnicity: The Case of Egyptian and Moroccan Immigrants in Israel
Titel:
The Differential Construction of Ethnicity: The Case of Egyptian and Moroccan Immigrants in Israel
Auteur:
Leichtman, Mara A.
Verschenen in:
Identity
Paginering:
Jaargang 1 (2001) nr. 3 pagina's 247-272
Jaar:
2001-07-01
Inhoud:
There is a tendency in Israel to distinguish the different ethnic communities into two categories: ashkenazim (Occidental Jews) and sephardim (Oriental Jews). The Israeli census adds to this homogenization by classifying immigrants as either of Asian African origin or European American origin. These classifications largely overlook the distinct cultural differences among these groups. In effect, the census builds ethnicity in one way, while immigrant groups construct their own ethnicity in another manner. Egyptian and Moroccan Jews, although both classified as sephardim, construct a very different ethnicity. This is tied to their history, the size of their community, and their experience in Israel as well as their social class, cultural practices, and networks. The construction of immigrant ethnicity in this study is analyzed as well as each group's perceptions of its collective past in their country of origin, and the likelihood of the second generation to preserve Egyptian or Moroccan ethnicity in Israel.
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