The Sources of Nationalism

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter examines some aggregate relationships from surveys with small samples based upon data availability. Its conclusions are thus suggestive and even speculative, but they do confirm the basic argument made earlier. Specifically, their acceptance of minorities and refugees as “true” members of society depends more upon values than upon institutions. Electoral systems do not shape preferences over identity. Preferences for identity may change over time without institutional reform (the United States is a notable example). The belief that more diverse societies are more likely to have exclusive identities is not supportive. The most diverse society in the analysis, the United States, is marked by a conflict between those who prefer a more inclusive identity and people who want to restrict immigration. One of the most homogenous countries, Sweden, has a population that welcomes refugees and immigrants. Yet, other countries with little diversity (Austria, Hungary, Poland, and Taiwan) have more exclusivist identities.