What are the characteristics of an ethnic group?

Answer 1

Ethnic groups are formed because of the what makes people think they are the same either it been race or religion. Previous backgrounds of a person usually plays a very important role in distinguishing me from you type of thing.

e.g. If a person was brought up in a poor family, they will find it much easier to talk to someone who has been in the same situation before.

Beliefs and Religion also play a significant role.

Answer 2

An ethnic group is one sharing cultural characteristics or of specified origin. (From Greek Ethnos, people, nation)

Edit:

What ethnic groups all have in common is that they are made of a group of people who identify themselves as a distinct group from other ethnic groups. They appropriate and distinguish themselves according to similar biological traits, cultural characteristics, religious & moral ideas and customs (also can be non-religious or non-moral), behavioral traits, and language. An ethnic group is just one form of a social bond, and is exemplary of how human beings find closure and security in similarity. But really, all an ethnic group really is, is a group of people coming together, and defining themselves as "different" or alike through perceived sentiments that inform them as being the "same" or inherently tied to one another. So to answer your question in brief, what are the common factors:

- An appropriation and identification of traits + ideas (and acceptance of those)

- Recognition of other groups as different and distinct

- A loose or strong solidarity between members

- A self-reflection of the group as either part or distinct from culture and the world

- Ethos (look up word)

Answer 3

An ethnic is people who share a common background in ancestry, history, language, or culture, and who understand themselves to be members of a particular group.