MIĘDZY DIASPORĄ A MNIEJSZOŚCIĄ ETNICZNĄ I NARODOWĄ. KILKA UWAG NA MARGINESIE BADAŃ NIE TYLKO POLONIJNYCH

Abstract

This article presents several methodological and theoretical remarks useful in Polonia studies or more broadly in ethnic studies. Concepts such as diaspora and ethnic/national minority were discussed to show the relations between them. The issue of ethnic survival of communities perceived as ethnic minorities, including Poles in Polish Eastern frontier, was described to show that not only 'objective' factors matter. The author also presented his reflections on the ways the research is being conducted among such communities and how their image is then being created by researchers. The next part of the article discusses the relationship between minority and the 'host' country, including state policy towards minority and minority's response to that policy. The construction and integration of the minority as an emerging community using so-called national culture was pointed out to be the most essential element of minority's existence.

Keywords

• diaspora
• mniejszość
• etniczność
• Polacy na Wschodzie
• tożsamość