The article explores similarities of several cases of particular population displacements: the so-called ethnically privileged migrations. These are mostly forced migrations, in which ethnic minorities migrate to their 'ethnic homelands' that is, to nation-states in which they become part of the national majority. It is argued that the treatment, acceptance and incorporation of such migrants in their new homelands, in spite of the common ethnicity/nationality shared by the migrant and local population, is a difficult and potentially conflictual process. It is analysed as an instance of a more broadly relevant sociological configuration, in which the intrusion of any migrant group, whether or not it shares ethnicity, cultural traits, language, and/or structural features with the local population, sets the stage for cultural differentiation and symbolic conflict between the old and the newcomer population. © The Author [2005]. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.

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ethnicity displacement population migration