How Does Identity Shape Politics?
Definition
National Identity
National identity refers to the shared sense of belonging to a nation. It is shaped by common cultural traits, historical memories, values, language, symbols, and political institutions, and gives people the feeling that they are part of the same collective.
- National identity is the shared sense of belonging to a nation, formed through common language, culture, history, stories, and values.
- It shapes how people view their political rights and responsibilities.
Common Mistake
- Treating identity as fixed.
- It changes with migration, generational shifts, reforms, and historical events.
1. Identity Shapes Political Demands
- Strong national identity encourages groups to ask for political rights, autonomy, or representation.
- When people feel culturally distinct, they expect political systems to recognise that difference.
Example
- Catalonia (Spain):
- Catalans have their own language (Catalan), long history of self-government, and cultural traditions.
- They demand more autonomy, especially control over taxes and education.
- In 2017, Catalan leaders organised an independence referendum despite Spain declaring it illegal, showing how powerful identity-driven demands can become.
Exam technique
- Identity → political demand → political response.
- Show this chain clearly.
2. Identity Influences Who Belongs to the Nation
- National identity shapes ideas of citizenship, belonging, and who is entitled to political rights.
- Some nations promote inclusive identity (anyone can join), while others promote exclusive identity (only specific groups belong).
Example
- Post-apartheid South Africa (after 1994):
- The new government rejected the old racial hierarchy.
- Leaders promoted the “Rainbow Nation” identity, encouraging unity across racial and ethnic lines.
- New policies guaranteed equal citizenship, voting rights, and anti-discrimination laws.
- This shows how redefining national identity can reshape a whole political system.
3. Identity Can Inspire Political Unity
- When people see themselves as part of the same nation, political unity becomes possible even across regions or classes.
- Shared identity helps governments pass reforms, build institutions, and strengthen national stability.
Example
- Italian Unification (Risorgimento, 1800s):
- Italy was divided into many states, each with its own ruler.
- Leaders promoted shared Italian identity through symbols, national history, and language.
- Schools taught standardized Italian; newspapers spread nationalist ideas.
- Political unity followed cultural unity, leading to the creation of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861.
Exam technique
- When describing unity, mention the mechanisms (schools, media, national holidays).
- It earns detail marks.
4. Identity Can Create Political Conflict
- Groups with competing identities may clash over land, rights, language, culture, or political control.
- These tensions can lead to political stand-offs, discrimination, or violence.
Example
- Breakup of Yugoslavia (1990s):
- Yugoslavia included multiple national groups: Serbs, Croats, Bosniaks, Slovenes, Macedonians, Kosovars.
- As communism collapsed, each group pushed for its own national identity and political independence.
- Serb leaders wanted to keep Yugoslavia united under Serbian power; Croats and Slovenes wanted independence.
- This identity clash contributed to civil wars, ethnic cleansing, and new independent states like Croatia and Bosnia.
Common Mistake
- Saying identity “caused” war.
- Identity creates tension, but war requires political decisions and leaders who escalate conflict.
5. Identity Shapes Government Policies
- Governments often create policies to protect, promote, or redefine national identity.
- These policies shape schooling, language rules, citizenship laws, national symbols, and cultural funding.
Example
- France’s Language Policies:
- The government promotes French as the sole national language to strengthen unity.
- Regional languages (Breton, Occitan, Basque) are not widely taught in public schools.
- Laws like the Toubon Law require French in official documents, advertisements, and public workplaces.
- These policies reinforce a single national identity but also cause debate about regional cultures.
Exam technique
- Use specific policy names if possible (e.g., Toubon Law) for higher accuracy and depth.
6. Identity Can Change Over Time
- National identity evolves as societies modernize, diversify, or face new challenges.
- Globalisation, migration, social movements, and generational change all reshape how people define “the nation.”
- Identity is dynamic, it grows with society.
Example
- Canada’s Multicultural Identity:
- In the 1970s, Canada officially adopted multiculturalism as part of its national identity.
- Policies encouraged the preservation of diverse languages and cultures.
- Immigration shaped a new vision of Canadian identity as inclusive and pluralistic.
- This shift influenced political decisions on immigration, citizenship, and anti-discrimination laws.
Common Mistake
- Assuming national identity is only about the past.
- Much of it is shaped by current politics and future goals.
Self review
- How does national identity lead groups to demand political changes such as autonomy or independence?
- What is the difference between inclusive and exclusive national identities, and how do they affect citizenship and rights?
- How can national identity help unify people across different regions or classes?
- Why can competing national identities lead to political conflict or even violence?
- How do governments use policies to strengthen or redefine national identity over time?
