Keywords of Identity, Race, and Human Mobility in Early Modern England

Keywords of Identity, Race, and Human Mobility explores the concepts of identity, race, migration, and transculturality in sixteenth- and seventeenth-century England, and how these concepts shaped the articulation of identity, rights, and power in subsequent periods.

Format: Hardback
Length: 358 pages
Publication date: 27 July 2021
Publisher: Amsterdam University Press

In the vibrant tapestry of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century England, the concept of "stranger" took on a multifaceted hue, encompassing a wide range of experiences and perspectives. It was a time when the boundaries of society were blurred, and individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and religions converged in the bustling cities and rural landscapes. The perception of other nations, cultures, and religions was a complex tapestry, shaped by a myriad of factors, including trade, conquest, and cultural exchange.

As individuals traversed the boundaries of language, country, religion, and space, they encountered a myriad of challenges and opportunities. The process of migration often involved a delicate balance between adaptation and preservation, as individuals sought to integrate into new communities while maintaining a sense of their own identity.

The essays collected in this volume delve into the rich tapestry of the concept of "stranger" in sixteenth- and seventeenth-century England. They explore the ways in which individuals negotiated their identities in the face of cultural diversity, the challenges they faced in crossing linguistic and geographical boundaries, and the ways in which their experiences shaped the broader social and political landscape.

Through a comprehensive analysis of a selection of terms that were central to the conceptualization of identity, race, migration, and transculturality in the early modern period, Keywords of Identity, Race, and Human Mobility offers a valuable resource for anyone interested in the development of these formative issues. These terms, such as "other," " foreigner," "identity," "race," "migration," and "transculturality," became touchstones for understanding the complex dynamics of early modern society.

The essays in this volume shed light on the ways in which these concepts and debates shaped the articulation of identity, rights, and power in subsequent periods. They explore the ways in which individuals and communities used these terms to construct and challenge narratives of difference, to assert their rights and privileges, and to navigate the complex social and political landscapes of the time.

In conclusion, the concept of "stranger" in sixteenth- and seventeenth-century England was a multifaceted and complex phenomenon, shaped by a range of cultural, social, and political factors. The essays in this volume provide a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of this period, shedding light on the ways in which individuals negotiated their identities, crossed boundaries, and shaped the course of history.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789463720748