No wonder ethnicity remains such a contentious concept. In introducing this collection of 13 chapters, Hasmath (sociology, U. of Toronto, Canada) notes that the term derived from a classical Greek word referring to 'pagan' or 'heathen,' and that countries (From Canada to China) now have differing definitions/ classifications of ethnic groups. International, multi-disciplinary contributors offer theoretical frameworks and insights into claims regarding the impact of immigration and multiethnic/cultural policies on the health and national identity of democratic states, examples and models of such policies, and assimilationism/ national identity vs. multiculturalism/group identity. The volume includes demographic tables. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)