Re-Examining a Theoretical Framework for Researching Xenophobia in Post-Communist Romania

Abstract

In this paper, I re-examine a theoretical framework developed for researching xenophobia in Romania’s post-communist contexts. I begin by emphasizing several relevant anthropological considerations regarding the fear of the Other. Subsequently, I review the conceptualization of the Other in the anthropology of the past century. Next, I emphasize the analytic potential of three ternary grammars of identity/alterity, developed by Gerd Baumann and André Gingrich. Lastly, I present Johannes Fabian’s theses regarding the Other and their significance. Instead of treating xenophobia intrinsically, I advocate a ‘weak’ interpretation of it from a logical standpoint. Thus, I suggest approaching xenophobia as part of a “conceptual constellation”.