Chapter 3 (CPO2001 Exam I)

What does the term 'society' refer to?

A broad term that refers to complex human organization and a collection of people bound by shared institutions.

What is ethnicity?

A social construct that categorizes people based on shared cultural traits, ancestry, and experiences (often assigned at birth).

What are some specific attributes that distinguish ethnic groups?

Language, religions, geography, customs, and history.

What is ascription in the context of ethnicity?

An identity assigned at birth that is largely fixed.

What does national identity often develop from?

It often develops from existing ethnic identity.

How is national identity defined?

A sense of belonging to a nation and a belief in its political aspirations (such as sovereignty).

What is nationalism?

A pride in one’s people and belief in sovereign destiny for the nation.

Can ethnic identity exist without national identity?

Yes, there are various ethnic groups without a national consciousness that do not seek their own state.

Can national identity exist without ethnic identity?

Yes, an example is civic nationalism

What is civic nationalism?

National identity without ethnic identity, exemplified by patriotism in the U.S. and Canada.

What is citizenship to the state?

Citizenship defines an individual's or group's relationship to the state, including allegiance and benefits, in return for state-provided benefits. It is not fixed, unlike ethnicity.

What obligations do citizens have?

Pay taxes, military service, abide by laws, and vote.

Is ethnicity fixed or fluid?

Ethnicity is fixed, whereas citizenship is not.

What is patriotism?

Pride in one’s state, often represented through state symbols.

How does nationalism differ from patriotism?

Nationalism requires the existence of a people united by a common identity, not the existence of a state.

How are nationalism and national identity exclusionary

Nationalism’s desire to gain/maintain sovereignty/independence moves nationalism toward national identity

How are civic nationalism and patriotism different?

“I am connected to the people” is civic nationalism, while “I am connected to the state” is patriotism

What does top-down nationalism mean?

Nationalism promoted by states and elites.

What does bottom-up nationalism mean?

Nationalism that originates from the general population that demands rights form the state

What is an important political identity when nation-states form?

Citizenship

What is ethnic conflict?

The struggle between groups to achieve economic/political goals at other groups’ expense (superiority)

What is national conflict?

The struggle between groups for political independence (sovereignty)

What is a common tool in both ethnic and national conflicts?

Violence

What is the top-down starting point of ethnic/national conflict?

Elite led, way to consolidate power

What is the bottom-up starting point of ethnic/national conflict?

Mass led, stemming from longstanding friction

What are 'artificial states'?

States that may lead to bottom-up ethnic/national conflicts due to imposed borders.

What are four strategies that exist to resolve ethnic or national conflict?

1. Integrating groups (assimilation) Ex. US

2. Separating groups (social/institutional pillars) Ex. The Dutch

3. regionalism (greater decentralization of power to give different groups more autonomy) Ex. Belgium

4. devolution (specified regional identity) Ex. The UK

Group identities vs. individual identities?

Individual identities: Political attitudes and ideologies

Group identities: Ethnic and national identities

What is a political attitude?

Views regarding the necessary pace and scope of political change– NOT the content.

What do radicals seek in terms of political change?

Revolutionary change, potentially through violence.

What do liberals seek in terms of political change?

Evolutionary, gradual change

What do conservatives seek in terms of political change?

Little or no change of system

What do reactionaries seek in terms of political change?

Restoration of a previous political system or order, violently if necessary

What is a political ideology?

Views regarding the ideas and motives of political change– NOT the pace

What is the ideology of liberalism?

Liberalism is a political ideology that emphasizes individual political and economic freedom. It advocates for a weak state with low autonomy, controlled by the people, while maintaining a liberal democracy. Unlike the broader political attitude of being 'liberal', which may have different meanings in North America and elsewhere, liberalism specifically focuses on higher inequality and individual freedoms.

What is the goal of communism?

High equality and a strong state with low individual political freedom, with the ultimate goal of high equality. The antithesis of liberalism. Strong state with high autonomy.

What does social democracy aim to balance?

Individual freedom and collective equality– serves as the middle point between communism and liberalism. Requires a relatively strong state to ensure social welfare and economic justice. More common in Europe, appearing as the “welfare state” Ex) Sweden

What is fascism characterized by?

Low individual political freedom and high inequality. The state is characterized by high autonomy and capacity to direct the nation– goal is to build a strong state.

What is the main belief of anarchism?

States are the problem, and a stateless society is needed for both freedom and equality. High focus on individual freedom. Requires a deep belief in people’s inherent goodness

How does fundamentalism relate to ideologies?

It seeks to unite religion with the state, often focusing on theocracy. Does not have a single ideology/orientation. Emphasis on freedom and equality may be very different depending on what time of fundamentalism

What is political culture?

The basic norms for political activity in a society, defining acceptable behavior.

How does citizenship relate to ethnic identity?

Citizenship can be more inclusive and can change, while ethnic identity is fixed.

What is an example of civic nationalism?

Patriotism in countries like the United States or Canada.

What triggers ethnic conflict?

Struggles between groups to achieve economic or political goals at the expense of others.

What are the consequences of national conflict?

Struggles for political independence often resulting in violence.

What is the focus of political ideologies?

Views regarding the ideas and motives of political change.

What is the key challenge faced by liberalism?

To maintain individual freedom within a weak state controlled by the people.

What does a strong state signify in communism?

The antithesis of liberalism, aiming for high equality but low personal freedoms.

What societal role does political culture serve?

It functions as a social road map for behavior.

What is the difference between civic nationalism and ethnic nationalism?

Civic nationalism is based on citizenship and shared values, while ethnic nationalism is based on shared ethnicity.

How do political attitudes reflect different political contexts?

Radicals in China and the USA may pursue very different changes.

What is state autonomy in relation to liberalism?

It is limited; a weaker state is controlled by the people.

What does the term 'collective equality' refer to in social democracy?

Striving for equality among individuals rather than focusing solely on personal freedom.