Introduction to Ethnic Studies : Oceanic Connections

Introduction to Ethnic Studies: Oceanic Connections examines United States and Hawai’i history and contemporary social issues from diverse perspectives to arrive at a plural, multicultural understanding of the U.S. and Oceania. The anthology focuses on issues that affect marginalized groups, highlighting how these groups have acted collectively to change systems, structures, and relations of power.

In the first section, students are introduced to core concepts used to student race and relations through the lens of two major processes—colonization and migration. Readers learn why social inequalities persist in the U.S. and how these inequalities are distributed across racial, ethnic, and gender groups. Section two emphasizes the experiences of indigenous people, particularly those of Native Hawaiians and other Pacific peoples and Asian Americans. The readings address the political, cultural, and ecological problems facing a globalized Hawai‘i and Pacific, while staking new claims for community alliances and academic interventions. In the final section, students explore the multitude of possibilities of an Oceanic ethnic studies.

Introduction to Ethnic Studies is an ideal resource for fundamental course in ethnic studies, especially those with a social justice and community impact focus.

Roderick N. Labrador is an associate professor of ethnic studies and an academic advisor at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa. He holds a Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a master’s degree in Asian studies, with a specialization in Philippine studies, from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa.

Ethan Caldwell is an assistant professor of ethnic studies at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa. He holds a Ph.D. in African American studies from Northwestern University. Dr. Caldwell’s research interests include Black Diaspora in Oceania, Black-Asian relations, mixed race studies, militarism, and visual culture.