Ethnic and Civic Nationalism: Towards a New Dimension

The distinction between ethnic and civic nationalism is firmly rooted in a conception of development that rests on the dichotomy between traditional and modern societies. The traditional understanding of the relationship between socio-economic structures and types of nationalism is that the transition from ethnic to civic nationalism is a necessary consequence of development. This paper argues that socio-economic conditions are not the only determinant of the character of nationalist movements but that their goals are also important. It argues that secessionist movements need to emphasise cultural markers in their definition of the nation more than autonomist movements. The case of Québécois nationalism illustrates this point. The autonomist Parti Libéral du Québec has been better able than the secessionist Parti Québécois to articulate consistently a civic nationalism. This contrast suggests that there is a dimension to the ethnic-civic dichotomy that is not captured by an approach resting solely on development.