Transcript The Symbolic Construction of Community (R. Breton)

Why Study
the Symbolic Construction
of Community?

As a process, the Symbolic Construction
of Community is a prime example of the
usefulness of Fleras’ social
constructionist approach to the study of
race/ethnic relations
That is, puts some ‘meat’ on the theoretical
‘bones’ that Fleras presents.
 Symbolic Construction of Community is
fundamental to the process of
“othering”, which is becoming central to
the study of racial and ethnic relations.
 Othering and Symbolic Construction of
Community might be useful concepts to
work into your thinking and write-up of
Assignments #1 and #2.
The Symbolic Construction
of Community (R. Breton)

Sociologists’ Questions
Who defines the cultural community?
e.g., elders? political elite?
church leaders? a soc mvmt? govt?
Under what conditions?
e.g., perceived threat? relative
deprivation? prosperity?
constitutional reform?
Who socially validates that definition?
e.g., media? elders? Courts?
academics? External audiences?
Components of the
Symbolic Construction of
Community
 Principles of Inclusion & Exclusion
in Defining the Community
i.e. BOUNDARY-SETTING

e.g., “pure laîne” Québécois;
Bill C-31 Indians

Authenticity:
• Definition and Nature
• A First Nations Example
- Forums for Challenging
- The Discourse
- Why an Issue?
 New Conceptions of the Past

e.g., new myths
 Views Which Come to Prevail re:
the Group’s Relationship with the
Larger Society
Symbolic Construction
of Cultural Community:
Concluding Observations


Competition
- is central to SCCC
- winners & losers;
challengers & defenders
Inherently Political
- a negotiated order