The term ethnic group has a large number of meanings. It is used by ethnologists, sociologists, political scientists, geographers, and many other scientists. The reason for this popularity is the capacity of the concept and the abundance of its components.
Many argue that for the correct definition of the terms an ethnic group and an ethnic group, it is necessary to take into account the fact that there are ethnic groups created artificially in the form of a union of people by conviction, and there are natural ethnic groups that are created according to their own convictions, and those that are formed under the influence of some group.
In ethnology
In ethnology, the term ethnic group is identical to the concept of subethnos: an ethnic group distinguished by regional characteristics, but having cultural, linguistic, and other features distinct from the local population. Such groups are characterized by their own self-awareness.
In sociology
Today, one of the most common values of an ethnic group is the totality of people of one nationality who are not localized on their historical territory, but on the territory of other peoples, in other states (not the titular nation). In this case, the number of members of an ethnic group can be determined by hundreds, thousands or even millions. As a rule, members of an ethnic group settle as close as possible to each other (a typical example: Chinatowns, reservations, etc.) At the same time, all members of an ethnic group are united not by political and territorial features, but by one language, culture and traditions.
In many countries of the world, such ethnic groups are a recognized social minority. For various reasons, they are separated from their ethnic group and are forced to conduct their life activities outside of it.
In political science
In some cases, the term ethnic group is defined as the union of several ethnic groups according to certain criteria. Usually they have a similar racial origin. Closely related nations may belong to the same ethnic group. One example is the ethnic group of the ancient Slavs or Germans.
