Teoretyczne i praktyczne kłopoty z tożsamością narodową

Abstract

Theoretical and Practical Troubles with National IdentityNational identity is one of the basic and most stable forms of collective identity. For many people it is a core value because it fulfills three important needs of man: the need to belong (rootedness), the need of axiological orientation and the need of respect due to any member of a respected community such as a nation. Two troubles are connected with national identity in present times. First, a strong sense of national identity can lead to ethno-nationalism, xenophobia and conflicts among nations. On the other hand, we are living in an epoch of globalization and international integration, which – in the opinion of many authors – endangers national identity and in effect may cause its loss and replacement with a cosmopolitan identity. The author undermines such views. He believes that strong national identity does not necessarily cause aggressive nationalism and xenophobia. Moreover, he does not agree with the view that globalization processes and integration tendencies will soon change national identity into cosmopolitan identity.