National identity can be seen as one of the most important factors in the construction and maintenance of a nation. Benedict Anderson emphasizes this importance in his theory of an “Imagined...Show moreNational identity can be seen as one of the most important factors in the construction and maintenance of a nation. Benedict Anderson emphasizes this importance in his theory of an “Imagined Political Community”, whereby a subconscious feeling of belonging is needed within a group in order to establish the existence and continuation of a nation. However, this feeling of belonging is not automatically established, but requires the help of several concepts that can define an identity. Language, culture and history can be seen as three overarching concepts that aid in the feeling of belonging, thereby aiding in the construction of a nation identity felt within a nation. Oftentimes, the state within a nation makes use of these concepts to further emphasize the way its population should feel connected to their nation, and thereby the state. However, while looking at Arab states, entire populations do not necessarily align with state-led views, allowing for the formation of minorities. Two such minorities within Arab states are the Swahili speaking Zinjibaris in Oman and the Nubians in Egypt. While differing in history, as the Zinjibaris have only been present in Oman since the 1960s, and the Nubians since the pharaonic era, each minority is still able to find themselves as minorities within an Arab majority. This thesis thereby focuses on the extent to which each of these minorities aligns themselves with the state-led views on national identity and that of the majority population of each respective country. Each of the minorities is able to negotiate and construct their national identities within the framework of state-led national identity formation in different ways. Keeping the concepts language, culture and history in mind, the Zinjibaris are able to find themselves in the state’s perspective of a culturally diverse Omani national identity. In contrast, the Nubians are not able to find themselves within the Egyptian state-led views of a religiously diverse country, whereby Nubian heritage preservation takes the primary role in the Nubian perspective of national identity. Thus, portraying the difference in the way minorities are able to feel a sense of belonging in their countries of residence.Show less
This study examined needs and perceptions surrounding student burnout and the role that social support plays in the development of burnout. Specific attention was paid to LGBTQ students, a...Show moreThis study examined needs and perceptions surrounding student burnout and the role that social support plays in the development of burnout. Specific attention was paid to LGBTQ students, a vulnerable minority group that has shown to be more susceptible to stress (Meyer, 2003). The study had a mixed methods design. A survey including standardized and self-composed questions was administered among a convenience sample of 974 university students (85% Caucasian; 79% identifying as woman), 214 of whom identified as LGBTQ. Quantitative analysis was done in SPSS, and open questions were assessed using thematic analysis in ATLAS.ti. According to the burnout measure short (BMS), 56% of the sample met the diagnostic criteria of burnout. Social support and stress were significant predictors of burnout; however, a mediating effect of social support was not found. Many students attributed the high levels of stress and burnout to a high workload. Students want universities to reduce workload, teach coping skills, and pay more personal attention to students’ mental health. LGBTQ students showed significantly higher levels of burnout and stress and lower levels of social support. Students indicated that their LGBTQ identity had them navigate additional stressors, and they asked for LGBTQ-specific support from within their universities. The current study shows that burnout is a serious problem among students. Social support may play a small role in burnout; burnout prevention should mainly focus on reducing stress while considering the needs of students. Using firsthand input from the survey, this study presents two frameworks linking student needs to existing and new interventions.Show less
A comparative historical research upon the situation and its development of the identities of the Alevite and Alawite minorities within Turkey and Syria.
Kashubian people constitute an ethnic and linguistic minority that inhabited the historical region of Pomerania, and they currently occupy certain parts of the Pomeranian Voivodeship in Poland ...Show moreKashubian people constitute an ethnic and linguistic minority that inhabited the historical region of Pomerania, and they currently occupy certain parts of the Pomeranian Voivodeship in Poland (predominantly in Gdansk and Slupsk). The linguistic situation of Kashubians has always entailed implications as to their identity, mainly due to the oppression of Kashubian as a minority language (Grabowska and Ladykowski 2-3). Identity issues had already emerged after the collapse of the German empire and with the Kashubians’ consequent adherence to the new Polish state, cultural distinctiveness was harshly damaged. The present thesis analyses the changing conceptualization of Kashubian identity in former Danzig-West Prussia, the Wartheland and Upper Silesia. Time wise, the thesis principally focuses on the end of the First and the Second World War under the National Socialist regime (1919-1945), yet taking into account the impact of the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries in Kashubian history. The main aim is to look at the articulation of the Kashubian identity over time and consider the impacts of the contextual historical circumstances and state influence on Kashubians.Show less
This thesis sets up a model for political tolerance among minority groups in the Netherlands, which consists of two dimensions. The first determines whether the group has been a victim of...Show moreThis thesis sets up a model for political tolerance among minority groups in the Netherlands, which consists of two dimensions. The first determines whether the group has been a victim of discrimination and because of their struggles the individuals have grown more tolerant towards others. The other dimension is the division between bridging and bonding networks, with the latter making people less tolerant. This research confirms the second assumption, but not the first.Show less
