The article discusses how people from different cultural backgrounds, like Chicanos and Appalachians, view their ethnicity. They found that ethnicity has three main parts: ethnic culture (unique behaviors and beliefs), ethnic group membership (network of people with similar backgrounds), and ethnic identity (personal connection to one's culture). Ethnic identity includes recognizing differences between groups, feeling proud of one's own culture, and facing discrimination. The researchers used surveys and case studies to explore these ideas.