(quoted from - Gellner, Ernest. Nations and Nationalism. Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 1983, pp. 6-7.) Again as Gellner stated that though both the above definitions (the former cultural and the latter volunttaristic) have some merit, neither of them is adequate. Thus according to him the best possible way to approach the problem is to probably look at what culture does. In his books on Nations and Nationalism, Hobsbawm said that neither objective nor subjective definitions are satisfactory
Even in nationalism, there seems to be different branches: political nationalism and ethnic nationalism. While the notion of political nationalism is very similar to the one described by Kosterman and Feshbach, understanding ethnic nationalism somehow brings a different light to the current study. It does appear that the distinction between ethnic nationalism and patriotism is even more blurred. To some extent, ethnic nationalism emphasizes the importance of racial unity
details makes India’s Silent Revolution: The Rise of the Lower Caste in North India an impressive book. It gives scholarly account of the rise of the lower caste politics in north India and an important feature of silenced majority since 1960s. This comparative study between the lower caste of north India and the non-Brahmins of the south has also given rise to the quota politics. The book’s core argument is the transformation of India from elite dominated conservative democracy to social democracy with
The most widespread wave of democratization that Latin America has experienced in its history occurred at the end of the cold war. Two decades later concerns about corruption, low levels of participation, and institutional designs weakened the democratic system. Today, Latin America’s major challenge is ensuring democratic governess. The democratic evolution in Latin America is fascinating. Latin America was on its way to implementing democracy and now it is struggling to make sure it stays when
of collective identity are essential both to the development of personal character and to the development of inter-personal solidarity. The discussion about the meaning and function of collective identity is highly relevant in times of emerging nationalism and racism (such as
Former South African President and anti-apartheid revolutionary Nelson Mandela once stated, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” In today’s society, education is seen as a gateway to opportunity. It can drive people out of poverty, despair, and hopelessness. It can bring people a new life and show them many new things. In Jessica Alexander’s book Chasing Chaos, she deals with many areas of the world that are constantly embattled by poverty, wretchedness,
versa. 4. State and Society in India: Studies in Nation Building (Journal Article) This article is an analysis of the problems faced in the process of Nation building in India. The author, T.K. Oommen tries to reveal the causes of these problems; he states that dislocated conceptual polarizations are the originators of most conflicts. These polarizations juxtapose nation and state, nationalism of political and cultural kinds; and “Indianism” and “Localism” – which are mutually supporting and enhancing