Self-Identification: What Would Europeans Call a Person with Scottish, German, Swedish, and Norwegian Heritage?

In Europe, the focus is primarily on nationality rather than race, which shapes how a person is identified. Consider the hypothetical individual with Scottish, German, Swedish, and Norwegian heritage. Where they grew up and their passport nationality are the primary determinants of their identification.

Implications of Nationality

For most Europeans, race is not a primary means of identification. A person's ethnicity is often overshadowed by their national identity. If this individual grew up in Germany, they would be 100% German by European standards. If born in Germany, their nationality would be German, regardless of their grandparents' origins. This perspective contrasts sharply with the United States, where multi-ethnic backgrounds are often noted and celebrated.

Language and Identity

Even within a nation, specific linguistic and cultural identities can lead to nuanced self-identification. A European may say they are Scottish, German, Swedish, or Norwegian, particularly if they were born and grew up in those countries, or if those aspects of their heritage are significant to them.

Additional Insights from Finnish Perspective

My Finnish heritage provides a different lens. Finland, like many parts of Northern Europe, has a strong sense of national identity that often supersedes other ethnic ties. As a Finnish European, acknowledging that not all Europeans are white and that the composition of one's heritage is varied, further emphasizes the importance of one's place of origin in self-identification. Hence, I just say I’m from Finland, my mother being from Sweden notwithstanding.

Official Forms and Categories

On official forms, such as those in the United Kingdom, the relevant categories are often deeply rooted in national identity. "White British" and "White Other" are indicative of this focus on nationality, rather than on the diversity within the "White" category. Other European countries likely have similar categories, categorizing individuals based on their country of birth, raised in, and nationality.

Case Study for the Hypothetical Case

If the hypothetical individual had a grandparent from each of the four European families, they would not be labeled as "mixed" in any European context. In official forms, whichever category they would tick—whether "White British" or "White Other"—would likely depend on their country of birth or nationality as noted on their passport.

Australian Cultural Context

In Australia, while we recognize the individual's diverse heritage, we often use affiliations based on the dominant culture rather than specific ethnic identities. We tend to call everyone a "mate," a term that extends to colleagues, acquaintances, and even strangers. This inclusive approach can sometimes be seen as less formal or respectful in the United States.

Conclusion

In Europe, the primary method of self-identification is by nationality. Even those with diverse heritages are often primarily identified by the place they call home. In the context of the hypothetical individual with Scottish, German, Swedish, and Norwegian heritage, they would most likely identify themselves based on where they were born and raised. In Australia, we use more inclusive terms and may not label such an individual as "mixed" but rather focus on their nationality and cultural connections.

Keywords

ethnic identity, European nationality, self-identification, national identity, official forms