Ethnicity in Urban context : the Gujaratis in Madras city

This book raises a number of issues both theoretical as well as specific, influencing interaction between different ethnic groups. It examines prevailing theories of acculturation and assimila tion in the context of internal migration in India.

The study focusses on the Gujaratis who have migrated to Tamil Nadu. A judicious combination of qualitative and quantitative methods highlights the internal differentiations among the Gujaratis based on religion, time of migration and region of origin. The findings on the varied levels of ethnicity are relevent to the understanding of other migrant groups in different parts of the country. This book examines the con sequences of the acceptance of ethnic pluralism by the Indian Constitution. An indepth analysis of cultural change and continuity has been made and the use of the network approach has led to an understanding of the extent of inte gration which the Gujaratis have attained with the host society. It is hoped that the factors identified as con tributing to inter-group interaction lead ing to social integration would be useful in the area of planning.

The findings reveal how even inter personal contacts do not lead to the breakdown of group boundaries. The work emphasises the need for greater research in the entire area of ethnic rela tions focussing on cases of conflict and co-operation as the stakes for a unified society are high.