An Extension of Barth's Concept of Ethnic Boundaries to Include Both Other Groups and Developmental Stage of Ethnic Groups

Abstract

This paper extends Barth's concept of ethnic boundaries and boundary strength to include boundaries maintained by other groups, and to propose that various types of human groups may be related on a continuum through the quality or strength of their boundaries. Three different types of groups "simple" groups, subcultural groups, and ethnic groups-are used to examine this concept in greater detail. It is further suggested that the concept of a continuum of boundary strength may be used to identify various stages of ethnic development, and that the notion of boundary has important implications for studies of urban ethnicity and human identity processes.