Factory City Gejiu: Resource Development And Ethnic Identity

Based on an ethnographic study of three major ethnic groups involved in resource development in the city of Gejiu, this thesis discusses the process of ethnic boundary formation in a multi-ethnic community in the perspective of ethnic identity. Around the resource development, ordinary members of ethnic groups, ethnic elites, national leadership, negotiations and transactions inter-ethnic or with the government were all involved in the construction of ethnic boundaries, the essence of which was the establishment of social relationships. In the background of China's political and economic change, the relationship between individuals and ethnic groups, between individuals and country, between different ethnic groups, as well as between ethnic groups and country were experiencing adjustment and reconstruction. In the process of the resource development in Gejiu, the status of ethnic groups constantly changed. Yunnan Tin Group panning for gold has grown up, the native Yi people has changed from the original master of Gejiu to the nominal master, the rich Hui people who was in business and settled in Gejiu for thousand years was still considered as guest. The ethnic boundary was adjusted and changed during this transformation. Original historical memory and social relations had an important place in people's lives. The ethnic boundary was established and adjusted around history and kinship. At the same time, the variation of production and lifestyle has brought changes in social life, the new ethnic identity formed in the multi-ethnic community.