Jewish belonging: studying contemporary Jewish identity from its margins

Thesis

This research project investigates the complexities of Jewish identity within distinct socio-cultural contexts, employing three case studies to explore the interplay between dominant in-group dynamics and liminality in shaping identity boundaries. By examining the approach of Colombia's traditional Jewish communities to Jewish identity, Israel's reaction to converts within the migration framework, and Spain's citizenship law based on Jewish ancestry, the dissertation elucidates the intricate processes of identity formation, boundary maintenance, and external perceptions.

The findings challenge traditional notions of clear-cut in-group and out-group identities, highlighting the significance of liminal spaces in understanding identity dynamics. Each chapter offers valuable insights into the negotiation of Jewish identity within specific socio-political landscapes, rejecting simplistic categorisations and emphasising the fluidity of identity construction.

In Israel, demographic ethnonationalism and control over conversion processes underscore the tension between religious and secular conceptions of Jewish identity, reflecting ongoing debates over who belongs to the Jewish collective and who are the significant gatekeepers policing potential belonging. Similarly, Spain's 2015 Citizenship Law demonstrates the interplay between nation branding strategies and Jewish identity construction, revealing unintended consequences and complexities in response to state-driven initiatives. The examination of Colombia's Jewish communities reveals the role of social dynamics, class, and race in shaping communal boundaries, highlighting exclusionary practices toward emerging Jewish groups. These insights contribute to Jewish Studies and offer broader implications for sociology, anthropology, and international relations. Drawing on theoretical frameworks such as Barth's notions of ethnic boundaries, Bourdieu's concepts of capital and agency, and Tajfel and Merton's ideas of belonging, the dissertation underscores the subjective nature of identity formation and the autonomy of communities in delineating their collective boundaries. The inclusion of third-party perspectives, particularly evident in the Spanish case study, emphasises the necessity of considering external influences in analysing group identities and belonging.

Authors: Vergara, A

• DOI: 10.5287/ora-j26gpo0gk
• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: belonging; marginalization; Colombia; Israel; Spain; emerging communities; Jewish identity; Sephardi; citizenship
• Subjects: Jews--Identity; Citizenship