Conclusion

The ethnic community can be a resource for its members and provide relationships and an favourable environment for the satisfaction of socio-emotional needs. It can be a source of assistance with regard to problems encountered by individuals in the search for jobs or housing, in coping with discrimination, or in dealing with institutions of the larger society. It may also offer opportunities for religious practice within a familiar cultural context. The community can supply activities for cultural expression and serve as a milieu where its members find respect and social recognition. The ethnic collectivity may also provide an opportunity for organizational entrepreneurs. It is a potential arena within which people can become involved economically, politically, and socially. The nature and extent of linkage between the interests and goals of leaders and those of ordinary members is of crucial importance in the functioning of the community.

Among the factors affecting ethnic community organization are the strength of the collective identity; the existence of channels of communication, not only among members but also – and perhaps especially – between leaders and members; the willingness of individuals to contribute the necessary material resources and to participate actively in community affairs; the extent to which they function within an ethos of individual mobility or one that gives predominance to collective action; constitutional provisions and laws and the extent to which the ethnic collectivity and its leaders are tied to public institutions, especially governments; and the degree of internal differentiation in the community and whether effective mechanisms have been institutionalized to deal with social conflict.