The logic of distinction: nationalism and status seeking in Germany

Abstract

Abstract This article proposes a framework that captures the logic of status seeking and reassesses the influence of one of its key drivers: nationalism. Inspired by Bourdieu’s logic of distinction, the article conceptualises status as a form of social distinction and argues that nationalism influences status seeking based on variations in its external dimension. By examining the case of German nationalism, we illustrate how status-seeking practices such as overseas expansion, involvement with the League of Nations, and participation in European integration were determined by the interplay between a state’s position, national habitus and rules of status politics.

Keywords

• Bourdieu
• Distinction
• Germany
• Nationalism
• Status