Ethnic Identity and Economic Success

Paper Summary:

This paper analyzes and compares two very prominent and informative essays regarding the Metis in Western Canada which are included in the work, "From Ruperts Land to Canada". The first essay discussed is John E. Foster's "Wintering, the Outsider Adult Male and the Ethnogenesis of the Western Plains Metis" which explores the emergence of the culturally distinct Metis through a process of relationship building and trade relations. The second essay discussed is Gerhard J. Ens' "Metis Ethnicity, Personal Identity and the Development of Capitalism in the Western Interior: The Case of Johnny Grant" which focuses on the successes and failures of the Metis in economic terms, as well as how the economic situation of the Metis was a determining factor in how they viewed their true identity (European or Indian).

From the Paper:

"The essay written by John E. Foster explored the emergence of the Metis as a distinct cultural group. Gerhard J. Ens took Foster's findings and explored the question of Metis identity in the economic realm. The development of a unique Metis identity was a long and complex process that took several generations to solidify. Foster sees the establishment of the Metis group as not European and not Indian in character, but something entirely different. Ens accepts Fosters theory about the emergence of the Metis people as a new culture, but states that the Metis people only embraced their unique identity in times of economic success. When the going got tough economically, the Metis were quick to downplay the uniqueness and distinctiveness of their Metis status and adopt the identy of one of the fathering cultures (Euro or Indian). When economics is not a determining factor, the Metis like Johnny Grant, recognized their special Metis identity and helped to continue the tradition of country marriage and other crucial relationships that allowed the Metis to emerge."

More papers on Ethnic Identity and Economic Success:

• Comparison Essay # 98260 : "Racism and Multiculturalism"
• Research Paper # 97362 : "Ethnic Entrepreneurship"
• Book Review # 62802 : "A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America"

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