Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts
Year: 2023
DOI:
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The Pivotal Significance of Sociocultural Demarcations in Shaping and Upholding the Ethnic Identity of the Deported Meskhetians (exemplified in the context of South Georgia)
Tina Gudushauri, Manana Tsereteli
ABSTRACT:
The report delves into the intricate functions and paramount significance of social, cultural, and ethnic delineations in the intricate process of constructing the self-perception of distinct groups. It underscores that these boundaries can manifest through explicit markers, representations, distinctive attributes, pivotal events, and the like. The presence of such categorizations plays a decisive role in shaping individuals’ and particular collectives’ attitudes toward one another, influencing their interpersonal relationships, and ultimately molding their self-identities. The empirical foundation for these discerning arguments and conclusions is derived from comprehensive field studies conducted among Meskhetian deportees residing in the region of South Georgia.
The analysis of the research findings not only elucidates disparities among interviewees regarding their perceptions of their own ethnicity but also highlights pronounced differences in the way the local populace regards them and apprehends their ethnic identity. Particular attention is directed toward the examination of the social and cultural boundaries, both at the intra-group level, exclusive to the deported Meskhetians, and the external boundaries separating them from the indigenous population, along with an exploration of the inherent characteristics of these demarcations. The report further scrutinizes the specificity of these social and cultural boundaries as affirmed by the research and elucidates the underlying rationales behind their existence.
In contemplating the outcomes within the broader context of identity theories, the report posits that the primary determinants shaping the self-perception of the deported Meskhetians predominantly align with the tenets of constructivist theory.
keywords: identity, social, cultural and/or ethnic boundaries