Summary of Recent Theories Of Nationalism

Recent Theories Of Nationalism

This paper discusses the various theories about nationalism, and the contribution of prominent authors in each,

1.      PRIMORDIAL AND SOCIOBIOLOGICAL THEORIES

Primordial theories explain nationalism as being a natural phenomenon which results from centuries of bonding between families. According to Shils and Greetz it cannot be explained by social interaction since it is essentially a sentiment or feeling. Thus a basic group identity, which includes physical body, name, language, religion, history, nationality, geographical location and culture, is present in individuals, according to Isaacs.

The sociobiological perspective emphasizes the evolutionary significance of nationalism or forming an ethnic group identity. Three principles discussed by Van den Berghe, selection of kin, reciprocity and coercion, explain how the forming of ethnic groups is in a way a broader generalization of forming kinship ties. There are intermediate institutions like extended family etc. but overall the concept of inclusive fitness explains why we form ethnic groups. Another text by Reynolds discussed the factors that led to group formation, and in-group out-group behavior. The most comprehensive model was however given by Shaw and Wang, who in a series of hypotheses explain the process of identification with a group. The main purpose is balance of power concerns, and whether voluntarily or through coercion humans form ties of loyalty to larger groups or nations. This identification is strong in homogenous nations, and ambiguous in heterogeneous ones. Therefore this perspective while focusing on our innate tendencies also considers modern ways of forming group ties.

2.      INSTRUMENTALIST THEORIES

These theories emphasize the instrumental value of forming an ethnic group. Therefore groups maybe formed for political, economic, or social reasons in order to maximize benefit. According to Barth, these groups are not primordial; in fact there boundaries are consciously defined as is their culture. These theories focus on four levels of analysis, micro, median, macro and more recently global. Two other approaches are the competition theories, which suggest that competition over scarce resources is the factor behind group formation, and rational choice theories, which suggest that individuals choose which group to identify with. 

3.      MODERNIZATION THEORIES

These theories share the same ideological roots which emerged after the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods. Industrialization led to many changes such as urbanization, commercialization and secularization in society and as a result the nature of nationalistic ties also changed. These are further classifies into social communication, economic and politico-ideological theories.

Social communication theories focused on the communication within a group. The stronger the symbolic and linguistic ties between members, the better communication would be. This would result in strong group affiliation, as members would be able to share ideas etc. The introduction of print media further highlighted the importance of strong communication.

Economistic theories can be further divided on whether they were inspired by Marx or not. Those inspired by Marx (Classical, internal colonialism, uneven development, world system and Hroch0 explain nationalism as a result of class difference. When the upper or core class takes n the main roles in a society, peripheral classes are forced to form groups of their own. Thus ethnicity is simply a way of maintaining the status quo. Gellner’s theory which is not inspired by Marx proposes that this class difference is not due to economic factors but rather a difference in language and education among classes.

Politico-ideological theories refuse to accept the reductionist view of the economic theorists and propose that political ideology, military forces and psychological factors also result in nationalism.     

4.      EVOLUTIONARY THEORIES     

The evolutionary theories do not accept the idea that nationalism is a purely modern concept resulting from Industrialization. Nationalism has always existed, even in medieval times, and the best explanation we can give for the differences between past and present is that it was ‘recreated’ as a result of major world events. These events include the French and American Revolutions and the two world wars, which changed the political ideology of the world and thus a new form of nationalism emerged.

Conclusion

A sound theory of nationalism should explain its genesis and evolution, give a spatio-temporal explanation of its various ideologies and finally an understanding of the collective feelings or sentiments attached with it. So far social science has managed only the first two aspects and that too with many flaws. Therefore further study and research is needed.