Croats in Chile – Some Features of Contemporary Ethnic/National Identity Cover Image

Hrvati u Čileu – neka obilježja suvremenoga etničkog/nacionalnog identiteta
Croats in Chile – Some Features of Contemporary Ethnic/National Identity

Author(s): Marina Perić
Subject(s): Social Sciences
Published by: Institut društvenih znanosti Ivo Pilar
Keywords: Croatian immigrants; Croatian ethnic identity; Chile; transoceanic migration

Summary/Abstract: The objective of the empirical research conducted was to answer the following questions: To what extent is Croatian ethnic identity expressed? In which way is Croatian identity expressed? Which factors influence the loss or subsistence of Croatian ethnic identity? Is there a connection between some sociodemographic characteristics of Croatian immigrants in Chile today and the expression of their identity? Based on the results obtained it is concluded that in a small number of cases there is a statistically significant difference in the answers according to the examinees' age, gender, education and other independent variables. In several cases a difference is indicated among examinees with regard to age, for example among examinees of the younger and older generations, especially regarding language, visits to Croatia and return to Croatia. It has been determined that Croatian ethnic identity is quite well preserved among the examinees. Namely, 58.8% of the examinees said that they always felt like Croats, 65% of the examinees are members of associations of Croatian immigrants, and 42.2% of them regularly communicate with relatives in Croatia. It is mostly the oldest generations who nurture and maintain Croatian customs, while Croatian ethnic identity is recognisable in all associations of Croatian immigrants.

  • Issue Year: 15/2006
  • Issue No: 86
  • Page Range: 1195-1220
  • Page Count: 26
  • Language: Croatian