homework

Sociology homework: 

What is Nationalism? 

Nationalism is an ideology and political principle which holds that: 

A group of people (a nation) with shared culture, language, history, or identity 

Should have political unity and self-rule, usually in the form of a nation-state 

Marxism: Nationalism as False Consciousness 

From a Marxist perspective: 

Society is divided into classes (bourgeoisie and proletariat) 

The real conflict is class struggle, not national identity 

Marxists argue that nationalism is false consciousness because: 

It distracts workers from their real economic exploitation 

It makes workers identify with the nation instead of their class 

It benefits the ruling class by promoting unity that hides inequality 

Nationalism, therefore, is seen as a tool of capitalism that prevents workers from developing class consciousness. 

Functionalism: Nationalism as Civil Religion 

Functionalists view nationalism as a social glue that holds society together. 

Nationalism functions like a civil religion because: 

It has symbols (flags, anthems, national heroes) 

It has rituals (national holidays, ceremonies) 

It promotes shared values and collective loyalty 

According to functionalism: 

Nationalism strengthens social integration 

It creates a sense of belonging and moral unity 

It helps maintain social order and stability 

Nationalism performs the same unifying role as religion in modern societies. 

Ernest Gellner: Nationalism and Modernity. 

Ernest Gellner links nationalism directly to modern industrial society. 

Key ideas: 

Pre-modern societies did not need nationalism 

Industrial societies require: 

Mass education, Cultural uniformity, A shared language and identity. 

Gellner argues: 

Nationalism creates nations, not the other way around 

The modern state promotes a common culture to support industrial efficiency