Schryer’s central argument is that ethnic groups are as much modern “myths” as they are integral components of a socially constructed reality.
Focusing on the large cohort of immigrants from the Netherlands and the former Dutch East Indies who arrived in Canada between 1947 and 1960, Schryer shows how the Dutch, despite a loss of ethnic identity and a high level of linguistic assimilation, replicated many aspects of their homeland. While illustrating and illuminating the diversity among immigrants sharing a common national origin, Schryer keeps sight of what is common among them. In doing so, he shows how deeply ingrained habits were modified in a Canadian context, resulting in both continuities and discontinuities. The result is a variegated image reflecting a multidimensional reality.

Frans J. Schryer is currently a professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Guelph. He spent his childhood in the Netherlands.

Frans J. Schryer's profile page

Frans Schryer's study has brought about a significant change, providing important new insights into the highly complex and often little understood dynamics underlying the patterns of cultural adaptation and preservation among Dutch Canadians as well as adding to our understanding of the formation and continuation of cultural minority groups in general....Schryer offers an extensive and insightful examination of the Netherlandic presence in Ontario that is both challenging and informative.

Daisy Neijmann, University of Manitoba, <i>Canadian Ethnic Studies</i>

His book cannot help but become required reading for anybody wanting to understand the Ontario Dutch Canadians, their characteristics, their attitudes towards each other and towards the society they live in.

Gerry Graaskamp, <i>De Nederlandse COURANT</i>

The resulting mosaic of various communities provides a very insightful picture of immigrant life from arrival through third-and fourth-general experiences....I found Schryer's description and analysis helpful.

Harry Boonstra, <i>Calvin Theological Journal</i>