U1L1 Nation and Identity
Lesson
RESOURCES
Watch the following introduction to nationalism.
Read and refer to Chapter One as your resource for completing this lesson's assignment.
LESSON
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Nation |
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| Nation-state An internationally recognized sovereign nation that has a distinct geographical boundary and political system. |
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| Factors or characteristics that help to create or unify an nation of people include: Language - help us to share ideas and make connections Ethnicity - people want to live with others who share a similar language, history and culture. Culture - links people together through acceptable ways to act (norms) and the way of life we share such as diet, entertainment, etc. Geography - where people live can influence their culture. Isolated locations can impact a nation's relationship to the land, etc. Civic Nationalism - a nation's willingness to share common values and live under the same laws (political unity). |
What is a Nation anyway? Let's clarify a few terms.
Country and Nation
Some people believe that country and nation mean the same thing. There are words we use that suggest this is true. For example:
- Nation-state means “country.”
- International means “between countries.”
- Nationalism among other things can mean, “striving for a country.”
- Only countries can be members of the United Nations
The word “nation” was originally a Latin word that meant, “people” or “race.”
Many people believe that the word nation refers to a group of people and is different from the idea of country.
Nation as a Concept
Many academics have tried to define what a nation is. Which views do you agree with?
- The nation is the people.
- Nation emerges from a feeling of belonging.
- The nation is an imagined political community.
- The nation exists when people want self-government.
- The nation expresses the soul of the people.
Nation as a Collective
Another definition is that a nation is a collective — or group — identity. When we use words like “we”, “us,” and “our” it shows that we are thinking collectively.
Nation as a Patriotic Concept
Patriotism means love of your country.|
Watch the first part of the following video on Nationalism
http://study.com/academy/lesson/how-nationalism-impacts-world-politics.html
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TERMS nation-state
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