Exploring the relationship between the symbolic representation of deinstitutionalised regions and the regional identity of their inhabitants

Abstract

The article attempts to contribute to our knowledge of regions, which are understood to be the result of long-term developmental processes. Using Moravia (the Czech Republic) as a case study, we explore the symbolic shapes of old regions, particularly those that have undergone deinstitutionalisation. In our research we investigate whether the regional identity of rural residents inhabiting deinstitutionalised regions affects their actions in relation to how their region's symbols are used, and conversely, how these symbols have an impact on their regional identity. For this purpose, we selected a specific symbol of the region: the regional flag. Methodologically, the article is grounded in quantitative approaches to secondary data analysis, using traditional census data alongside original data concerning the display of regional flags. Our findings indicate that although having a strong regional identity can promote the use of the symbols of a deinstitutionalised region, the utilisation of regional flags in the symbolic representation of old regions has ambiguous effects. Thus, the regional identity of deinstitutionalised regions seems to be a complex and intricate process that remains worth investigating.