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Everyday Nationalism: Constructivism for the Masses

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  • J. Paul Goode
  • David R. Stroup

Abstract

type="main"> We argue that the “everyday nationalism” approach is both useful and necessary for improving existing constructivist approaches in the comparative study of nationalism and ethnic politics. A meta-analysis of existing studies reveals pervasive conceptual and methodological problems of contemporary constructivist approaches. We consider the implications of replacing individuals or groups with ethnic or nationalist practices as units of analysis. Everyday nationalism promises to address the gap between constructivist theory and the methodological individualism of existing studies. This approach proceeds from ethnographic observation and utilizes methods reliant on observing societal interaction or relational meaning making for verification. We illustrate such a research strategy using examples of nationalist legitimation in authoritarian regimes and the ethnicization of economic development. The everyday nationalism approach promises to overcome the shortcomings in much contemporary constructivist work. The potential for developing qualitative data sets of nationalist or ethnic practices further promises to complement constructivist insights.

Suggested Citation

  • J. Paul Goode & David R. Stroup, 2015. "Everyday Nationalism: Constructivism for the Masses," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 96(3), pages 717-739, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:socsci:v:96:y:2015:i:3:p:717-739
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1111/ssqu.12188
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Asel Murzakulova & John Schoeberlein, 2009. "The Invention of Legitimacy: Struggles in Kyrgyzstan to Craft an Effective Nation-State Ideology," Europe-Asia Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 61(7), pages 1229-1248.
    2. Franck, Raphaël & Rainer, Ilia, 2012. "Does the Leader's Ethnicity Matter? Ethnic Favoritism, Education, and Health in Sub-Saharan Africa," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 106(2), pages 294-325, May.
    3. Posner,Daniel N., 2005. "Institutions and Ethnic Politics in Africa," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521541794, October.
    4. Razi, G. Hossein, 1990. "Legitimacy, Religion, and Nationalism in the Middle East," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 84(1), pages 69-91, March.
    5. Posner,Daniel N., 2005. "Institutions and Ethnic Politics in Africa," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521833981, October.
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