Paper short abstract:

We propose to reflect on the "dynamics of ethnic status," in view of the questions raised by studies of national identity, by analyzing the social relations of Japanese immigrants who came to Pernambuco.

Paper long abstract:

We propose to reflect on the " dynamics of ethnic status," in view of the questions raised by studies of national identity. Thus, the main focus will be the social relations of Japanese immigrants who came to Pernambuco. In Brazil, the issue of national identity has always sought the path of what we might call a search of " homogeneity ". Surely prepared from the understandings that have to do with each time and each historical moment and, above all, the interests of the ruling elites. Search for a "homogeneity" in a population consisting of Indians, blacks, immigrants and many mestizos was undoubtedly an activity that sparked major debate in various political platforms, mainly based on the notion of a "scientific racism ", which actually tried to hide deep social inequalities. In this case, the Japanese presence in Pernambuco becomes a paradigmatic case of contrast and responsiveness of the actors in this dialogue, thus opening an agreement on a permanent identity of contrasts, central focus on the dynamics of interethnic relations.