National Identity (Edexcel A Level Geography)
Revision Note
Written by: Jacque Cartwright
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Nationalism
Globalisation is the idea of global connections and global flows of people, ideas and goods, which effectively shrinks the world and produces borderless nations
Over time, the relevance and power of countries becomes less, producing 'hyper-globalisation', with a 'one global village with global citizens' sharing an identity within the 'one world' and thereby, reducing conflict and improving opportunities
However, globalisation and its pervasive nature has increased the sense of nationalism with many countries attempting to reassert a national identity and sever the interconnectedness of countries
Brexit was a nationalist movement for the UK to leave the EU
Building of the US/Mexico border wall
Therefore, nationalism remains a powerful force and is strengthened via:
Education
Sport
Political parties through emphasising loyalty to the 'institution' and 'ideals' of a nation state
Factors Used to Emphasise Nationalism
Factor | Implemented Via |
|---|---|
Education | National Curriculum teaches Fundamental British Values (2014) of democracy, rule of law, respect, tolerance and individual liberty through citizenship, history and other subjects Contested values in terms of which national stories and symbols however, it does attempt to bring some cohesion to what is learnt |
Sport | Serves as a national unifying force through Football and Rugby World cups or Winter and Summer Olympics etc. where flags, painted faces and traditional songs form part of the national sporting ritual However, the UK is unusual in that nationalism of sport is not solely on a unified nation, but fragmented into Welsh, English, Irish and Scottish nations |
Political | Political parties use symbols such as the rose, lion, dragon, oak or union flag as part of their image, which appeal to particular national identities Not all people can or want to relate to these symbols, some even find them offensive and off-putting, particularly voters with international or European connections/outlook |
For some, the idea of national identity is linked to sovereignty and view IGOs such as the World Bank, the UN, the EU and IMF, as having too much power and making unfair rules
This is reinforced by political parties referring to 'taking back control' over the flow of laws, people and goods etc.
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Don't get bogged down on political views here, this is not the place to discuss politics or the rights and wrongs of political parties. Stay geographical in your responses.
Identity & Loyalty
Identity and loyalty can be linked to:
Distinctive legal systems
In France, a person is considered guilty until they prove their innocence, whereas, the UK's legal system is innocent until proven guilty
The USA's Constitution Bill of Rights, Second Amendment of the 'right of the people to self-defence' and therefore, the right to bear arms
Methods of governance
Britain has the right to vote for representation in Parliament
The principles of the Magna Carta, 1215, is considered the foundation of British laws, liberties and principles and the first to identify 'human rights'
National ‘character’
British identity is seen as ideals of tolerance, determination, politeness and tea
France and 'liberty, equality and fraternity' - used to justify the ban of the burqa as a symbol of female oppression, which was incompatible with French culture and not a religious ban
Landscape
The countryside can be linked to identity; such as the 'quintessential British country cottage with a thatched roof, nestled within beautiful gardens of soft colours'
However, it is difficult to distinguish 'where' this should be - Lake District, Cotswolds etc.
Artists, poets and writers have penned a particular view of a nations countryside as a national identity
Wordsworth's daffodils, Constable's 'Haywain' or Bronte's 'Wuthering Heights' etc.
Federico Lorca's 'Sketches of Spain'
There is a fine line between nationalism and fanaticism
Fanaticism can lead to a belief that people who are seen as 'different and living in their country', are essentially wrong, improper, or inferior; whereas nationalism will recognise and value cultural differences to a point
Inciting nationalism can lead to issues of sovereignty and national independence with far reaching consequences
The referendum on EU membership in 2016, back fired on the Conservative party when nationalism was at the forefront to the 'leave' campaign, appealing to many of the UK's older citizens
Multinationalism
Most countries are multinational with contrasting ethnic groups (linked to migration) therefore, questions of national identity and loyalty are complex
This is particularly evident in an era of globalisation where many people will have mixed loyalties to their:
Place of birth
Place of current residence
Cultural heritage
Furthermore, changes in religion, food and language have modified perceptions of national identity
National identity and loyalty is generally higher in ethnically diverse areas due to a sense of belonging and national pride among individuals who identify with multiple cultures
Cultural cohesion and how states achieve this, is debated
Cultural Cohesion in NZ, UK and USA
New Zealand | Once part of the British Empire, it gained independence in 1947. Now it is home to many ethnic groups including, Korean, Chinese, South African along with indigenous Māori people. In 1989, to aid cultural cohesion, the 'Tino rangatiratanga' (Māori for 'absolute sovereignty') flag accepted as the national flag for the Māori, yet in 2016 in a second-round referendum to change to the country's national flag from its 1902 colonial design (the Union Jack and Southern Cross Stars) to one that incorporated Māori and contemporary culture was defeated by a majority popular vote of keeping the original flag |
UK | There is a split between political and cultural identity in the UK which has become important in reflecting British values, but also the values and beliefs of overseas family heritage. For instance, Asian families can be politically British but culturally Indian - a way of integrating into British way of life without losing a sense of Indian heritage |
USA | National identity is difficult due to a complex settler history - Asian, Hispanic, French, black American, and white Europeans have all developed distinct cultures from each other, yet it has become a melting pot of a single 'American culture' The hundreds of different Native American tribes and communities predate the first settlers and retain their own indigenous culture |
Examiner Tips and Tricks
When writing an introduction to the 20 marks assess and evaluate questions, do not waste time by rewriting the question as part of your introduction. Instead focus on identifying your view or introducing the key issues you intend to discuss in the essay. Remember, the essay is not a 'mystery' story and therefore, the 'plot' should be disclosed at the start; in this way, the reader/examiner knows exactly what you are going to focus on.
Factors that strengthen national identity
Countries with a common language and a long history, will tend to have a stronger national identity
Countries with clear physical borders
Government action can attempt to strengthen national identity (e.g. USA: daily pledging allegiance to the flag, UK: lessons in British values)
Sport can strengthen national identity (London 2012); however, this may be short-lived (Scottish referendum 2014 and Brexit vote 2016)
Factors that can weaken national identity
Countries with clear tribal or religious differences may lack national identity or coherence (e.g. Kenya, Nigeria, Syria), and may be exploited by extremists which may harden attitudes and identity to a sub-group, rather than to the nation
International migration can weaken national identity as cultures blend and may challenge the status quo, such as Sharia Law in UK
Social media allows individuals to build identity through a common interest, which may be global in extent, making the nation irrelevant
Individuals may choose to reject the nation’s identity (such as those going to join IS in Syria) and if enough do this, the nation’s identity itself may be threatened
Last updated:
You've read 0 of your 5 free revision notes this week
Sign up now. It’s free!
Did this page help you?
