Unternehmertum und Ethnizität – ein seltsames Paar

Abstract

Ethnic economy and ethnic entrepreneurship are terms widely used in the anglo-american discussion in relation with questions of migration and integration of minorities. The results of this research are confronted with those coming out of the deconstructivist and post-colonial debate on ethnicity. Historical and present experiences show indeed that ethnic communities cannot be seen as invariable and homogeneous. Specific cultures, may they be grounded on religion or on nationality, display internal breaks and blurred outlines. Nevertheless, for certain periods and in certain circumstances, they may form the basis for ethnic resources, e.g. networks which can be used economically. A central finding is that such resources do not only exist for minorities economies but inside majorities economies as well.