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Of the host of problems
that post-colonial states must often deal with, ethnic
diversity is one of the most vexing. It has been demonstrated
that increased ethnic diversity in a state slows economic
growth. This paper seeks to understand how ethnicity
affects growth in post-colonial states. Using statistical
analysis, demographic data from 70 post colonial countries
in the Caribbean and Africa from 1960-2000 was examined.
Identity of colonizer, small state (island) versus large
state factors and other economic variables were controlled
for. The results revealed that ethnicity behaves differently
in different regions; in the Caribbean ethnicity had
no significant impact on growth, while it had a significant,
negative, impact on growth in Africa. Case studies further
revealed that the two regions generally had different
concept of the role of ethnicity in national identity.
In states with large settler populations, as in the
Caribbean, national identity is made up of multiple
groups’ ethnic identities. In states with large,
multiple native populations, as in Africa, nationalism
is often removed from any specific ethnic identity or
co-ops a single national identity. In Caribbean states
citizens can participate in the national identity without
sacrificing their own ethnicity. In Africa states citizens
must often choose between the national identity and
their own ethnic identity. |
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