Political Mobilization of National Identity

• In Event: 4322 - Section on Political Sociology Refereed Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 02. Political Mobilization and Action

Abstract

Is national identity weakening in this globalized world? This paper shows a short-term social process like political mobilization plays an important role in shaping national identity. Using the ISSP National Identity survey data, I show that the anti-immigration attitude and national pride increase strengthens national identity. I also find party identification is important. Among those who support the right-wing/conservative party in their country, the effect of the anti-immigration attitude increases even further. Yet, the effect of national pride changes its direction among the rightist party supporters, and smaller national pride strengthens national identity. I explain these results with the right-wing/conservative party’s nationalist mobilization strategies, which typically involve stirring anti-immigration sentiments. Another typical strategy the right-wing parties use is attacking the present while glorifying the nation’s past, which undermines national pride but heightens national identity. Overall, I show the importance of political mobilization in the formation of national identity, and I demonstrate it using the international data.

Author

• Jaesok Son, NORC at the University of Chicago