Ethnic option explained

Ethnic option is a term coined by sociologist Mary C. Waters to express her conception that ethnic identity of the descendants of white European immigrants is flexible, symbolic and voluntary, not a definitive aspect of their identity.^{[1] [2]} Waters argues that with the achievement of middle-class suburban status, ethnicity becomes a lifestyle option, a costless form of community.^[3]

See also

• Acting white
• Cultural appropriation
• European Americans
• Symbolic ethnicity
• White ethnic

Notes and References

1. Book: Omi, Michael . Racial Identity and the State . Adams . Maurianne . Readings for Diversity and Social Justice . London . Routledge . 2000 . 78 . 0-415-92633-5 . https://books.google.com/books?id=xltVgiCSFaUC&pg=PA78 . .
2. Book: Kleg, Milton . Hate, Prejudice, and Racism . Albany . SUNY Press . 1993 . 43–44 . 0-7914-1535-X .
3. Book: Hickman, Mary J. . Migration and Diaspora . Cleary . Joseph N. . Claire . Connolly . The Cambridge Companion to Modern Irish Culture . limited . Cambridge University Press . 2005 . 131 . 0-521-82009-X .