Barn razing: Change and continuity in identity during conflict

This dissertation seeks to understand how the identity of a particular people, Mennonites, changes and remains constant during periods of conflict, over time. Identity is approached from a symbolic interactionist and sociological (social) constructivist stance. Using an adapted historical, grounded theory methodology, it explores how a group defines itself during three, decade-long periods of conflict in the twentieth century. The three temporally and geographically bounded periods of conflict in focus are: 1914-1924 Russia/Ukraine, 1934-1944 western Canada, 1977-1987 western Canada (Saskatchewan). The sites of conflict raise competing affiliation demands around identification with the state, religious beliefs, land and belonging. The grounded theory constant comparative method is used to uncover the structure of the concepts and categories comprising Mennonite identity that are utilized by Mennonite leaders during the three periods of conflict. Each conflict site is described in detail followed by an analysis of the categories of identification; the categories and properties that emerge provide a substantive theory of Mennonite identity over time. The dissertation also investigates the dynamics of continuity and change in the content of the categories. Three levels of change are evident: (1) subtle shifts and minor adaptations to context; (2) major fluctuations and temporary suspensions in the use of properties or categories; (3) properties and categories that are discontinued from use. The first two levels of change promote and enable continuity in Mennonite identification. The third level, discontinuity, is then explored in greater depth focusing on detachment from place (the Russian Steppe) and language (German). Taken together these examples highlight the interplay between external factors that promote change and the internal factors that are necessary for change but which also contribute to continuity over time. The dissertation utilizes and contributes to Rogers Smith's notion of "political peoplehood," demonstrating that an entire political people may seek to inspire a sense of "worth" and "trust," and may further integrate these concepts into their group identification. Finally, the research contributes a methodology that identifies a relatively stable core set of categories of identification, as well as probing the dynamics of change over time.