Cultural Nationalism is a concept that links national identity closely to culture. Unlike other forms of nationalism that may focus on political or ethnic elements, Cultural Nationalism emphasises the shared cultural heritage of a nation, which includes language, traditions, customs, and values. This ideology argues that a nation’s culture is central to its existence and helps define its people.
In an increasingly globalised world, where cultures can blend and mix, Cultural Nationalism serves as a way to preserve and protect national identities from being diluted or overshadowed by foreign influences. This article explores the key ideas surrounding this ideological concept, its historical origins, and its relevance in today’s world. We also discuss real-world examples, and the impact that having this perspective has on both society and politics.
What is Cultural Nationalism?
Cultural Nationalism is the belief that a nation is defined by its shared culture. Culture refers to a wide range of human activities, including language, art, religion, folklore, and social customs. Cultural nationalists argue that a nation cannot exist without a unique culture that distinguishes it from other nations. The concept contrasts with civic nationalism, which focuses more on shared political values or legal systems, and ethnic nationalism, which is based on race or ancestry.
For example, the Irish cultural nationalist movement in the 19th century focused on reviving the Gaelic language, literature, and folklore as a way of building a national identity that was distinct from British rule. Similarly, in India, leaders like Mahatma Gandhi promoted Indian cultural values, including traditional crafts and rural life, as part of the independence movement against British colonisation.
Historical Origins of Cultural Nationalism
The idea of Cultural Nationalism began to take shape in the late 18th and early 19th centuries during the rise of nation-states in Europe. This period, known as the Romantic era, saw a growing interest in national folklore, myths, and traditions. The Romantics believed that a nation’s culture expressed the soul of its people and that this culture should be preserved and celebrated.
Johann Gottfried Herder, a German philosopher, played a key role in developing Cultural Nationalism. He claimed that every nation possessed its own “Volksgeist,” or “spirit of the people,” which people expressed through their language, stories, and music. Herder’s ideas paved the way for future cultural nationalist movements across Europe.
For example, in Germany, Cultural Nationalism played a significant role in the unification of the country in 1871. Before unification, Germany was a collection of small states with different rulers. Cultural nationalists like the Brothers Grimm collected and published German folktales to emphasise the shared cultural heritage of the German people. This helped create a sense of national unity and identity that transcended political divisions.
Key Concepts of Cultural Nationalism
Several key concepts underpin the theory of Cultural Nationalism:
Cultural Authenticity
Cultural nationalists believe in the preservation of a nation’s authentic culture. This may involve resisting foreign influences or reviving old traditions that have faded away. Cultural authenticity means maintaining practices that are unique to a particular nation.
National Identity
Cultural Nationalism closely ties itself to the idea of national identity. A nation’s identity roots itself in its shared culture. According to this perspective, losing cultural traditions weakens national identity. Cultural nationalists often oppose globalisation or Multiculturalism when they perceive these as threats to their cultural integrity.
Language Preservation
Language is often viewed as a critical component of Cultural Nationalism. Many cultural nationalist movements focus on preserving or reviving indigenous or national languages. For instance, in Wales, cultural nationalists have worked to promote the use of the Welsh language in schools, government, and media, seeing it as a key part of Welsh identity.
Cultural Heritage & Symbols
Cultural Nationalism often involves celebrating a nation’s historical heritage, including its symbols, art, and literature. National monuments, traditional clothing, and national holidays are viewed as expressions of the cultural values that bind people together. For example, the Scottish kilt or tartan is a powerful symbol of Scottish culture and identity.
Examples of Cultural Nationalism in Action
Throughout history and across the globe, Cultural Nationalism has played a role in shaping national identity. Here are a few notable examples:
The Irish Revival Movement
During the 19th century, Irish nationalists sought to promote Ireland’s cultural heritage as a way to resist British colonial rule. The Gaelic League was formed to revive the Irish language, and figures such as W.B. Yeats helped create a renaissance in Irish literature and theatre. This cultural revival supported the political push for Irish independence, which was achieved in 1922.
India’s Struggle for Independence
In India, Cultural Nationalism was a key component of the movement for independence from British rule. Leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore promoted traditional Indian culture, including clothing (such as khadi, hand-spun cloth), language, and village life. Gandhi argued that adopting Indian cultural practices was a way of rejecting British domination and regaining national pride (Chakrabarty, 2002).
Modern Catalonia
In modern-day Spain, the region of Catalonia has seen a resurgence of Cultural Nationalism. Catalans have their own language, Catalan, and distinct cultural traditions. Many Catalans see their culture as separate from Spanish culture, and thus, has fuelled the region’s ongoing push for political independence from Spain (Guibernau, 2004).
Cultural Nationalism in the Age of Globalisation
In today’s globalised world, Cultural Nationalism is often a reaction to the spread of global culture, especially through the influence of Western media and multinational corporations. The rise of the internet and social media has made it easier for people to access foreign cultures, which can lead to the erosion of local traditions and languages.
However, globalisation has also provided a platform for cultural nationalists to promote and preserve their heritage. Many cultural nationalist movements use digital media to share cultural content, such as traditional music, folklore, and language lessons, with a global audience. Social media campaigns promoting national languages or holidays, for example, can quickly gain international attention.
In China, the government has emphasised Cultural Nationalism as part of its political strategy. While China engages with the global economy, it has sought to promote Chinese culture and history through initiatives like the “Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation.” This involves both the revival of traditional cultural practices and the promotion of modern Chinese achievements, such as the arts, to foster national pride (Gries, 2005).
Criticism of Cultural Nationalism
While Cultural Nationalism is important for preserving a nation’s identity, it can also have downsides. Critics argue that it can lead to exclusionary practices, where people who do not conform to a nation’s cultural norms may be marginalised. This can particularly affect immigrant communities or ethnic minorities.
In some cases, Cultural Nationalism can turn into xenophobia, where the desire to protect national culture leads to hostility towards foreigners or cultural outsiders. Some nationalist movements in Europe demonstrate this, as observers link this group mindset to anti-immigrant sentiments.
Moreover, Cultural Nationalism can sometimes become too nostalgic, focusing on an idealised version of the past rather than engaging with the present. For instance, movements that attempt to revive long-lost cultural practices may struggle to adapt these traditions to modern society.
The Role of Education in Cultural Nationalism
Education plays a central role in spreading the ideas of Cultural Nationalism. Schools often become sites where ideas and history is reinforced through the teaching of national history, language, and literature. Textbooks can promote certain cultural values and symbols, shaping how young people see their national identity.
For example, in Japan, the government has promoted Cultural Nationalism by encouraging schools to teach traditional Japanese values such as loyalty, respect for elders, and honour. Critics have argued that this focus on tradition can sometimes limit critical thinking or foster a narrow view of Japanese history (Yoshino, 1992).
Similarly, in France, Cultural Nationalism is expressed through the education system’s focus on the French language. The French government has resisted the use of foreign languages in official contexts, including education, in order to maintain the dominance of French culture.
Conclusion
Cultural Nationalism is a powerful ideology that connects a nation’s identity to its cultural heritage. Whether through language, traditions, or symbols, this ideological perspective seeks to preserve and promote what makes a nation unique. However, it also faces challenges in the modern world, particularly from globalisation, which can sometimes erode local cultures. At the same time, globalisation provides new tools for cultural nationalists to spread and protect their culture.
However, this perspective is not without its criticisms, particularly when it becomes exclusionary or overly nostalgic. Nonetheless, it remains a significant force in shaping how nations and people see themselves today. As globalisation continues to shape our world, Cultural Nationalism will likely continue to evolve, balancing the past with the present.
References
Chakrabarty, D. (2002). Habitation of Modernity: Essays in the Wake of Subaltern Studies. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Guibernau, M. (2004). Catalan Nationalism: Francoism, Transition and Democracy. London: Routledge.
Gries, P.H. (2005). China’s New Nationalism: Pride, Politics, and Diplomacy. Berkeley: University of California Press.
Yoshino, K. (1992). Cultural Nationalism in Contemporary Japan: A Sociological Enquiry. London: Routledge.