A reconceptualization of nationalism: Intragroup and intergroup nationalism in ethnic majority and minority groups

Abstract

Although a popular concept, nationalism suffers from inconsistent definitions and operationalizations. We argue that a new framework of ethnocentrism can be adapted to reconceptualize nationalism. This paper applied this ethnocentrism framework to nationalism across studies in Australia (n = 309) and the U.S. (n = 445) in both ethnic majority and minority groups. The studies examined the psychometric properties of a new nationalism measure, including its underlying structure, antecedents, and correlates. The current studies found support that nationalism consists of two distinct forms, intragroup nationalism and intergroup nationalism, which relate differently to theoretically related external variables. Ethnocentrism and nationalism were found to be conceptually distinct constructs, but the ethnocentrism framework applies clearly to nationalism. The findings have important implications for better understanding nationalism and highlighting the differences in nationalistic attitudes between ethnic majority and minority groups.

Keywords

• Nationalism
• Ethnocentrism
• Ethnic group
• National group
• National identity