Advantages and Disadvantages of Cultural Nationalism

Culture denotes the collective perception of the world, environment and life that a group has, having experienced similar, norms, values as well social relations and interactions. Culture plays a vital role in shaping the sense of self, and as such, it provides a background upon which an individual formulates a conception and view of the world. The importance of culture is thus to be found in how it influences interpersonal and intergroup interactions. In the contemporary globalizing world, culture has become a crucial player in interactions more so for the business world. There is a need for an in-depth comprehension of cultural diversity if there is to be integration and meaningful correlation. It is this endeavor that has brought about the aspect of cultural nationalism, even as individuals strive to co-exist and meaningfully interact. 

It is from this particular element that concept of national culture emerges. A national culture entails the beliefs, customs and norms that exist within people sharing a nationality. Cultural nationalism allows for the formulation of national identity with a keener focus on traditions and language (Meinecke 1970, p.28). While racial and ethnic differences may be prevalent within a given society, a sense of commonality often emanates from shared language or cultural beliefs (Horowitz 1992, p.91). A huge debate has since been initiated regarding the impact of cultural nationalism on society. 

The evolution of this particular view can be traced back to the conceptualization of a national community. Following the disintegration of the structures and powers of the traditional small communities, a national image was created to fill the identity void that had been left in society (Abizadeh 2005, p.15). Determining its impact on society can only be achieved by analyzing the outcomes that have resulted from its conceptualization across the globe. 

During the nineteenth century, a most of the countries in the developed world were focused on an imperialist policy which helped shape and defines national identities for the victims of these systems. It was based on national identities that had been formulating by a common culture which resulted in the scramble for resources and territory in the developing world (Kohn 1944, p.84). In this era, however, cultural naturalism was also vital in helping unify colonised countries in the pursuit of independence. 

Throughout the twentieth century, a great deal of the challenges and conflicts that were experienced by society came about as a result of as a national culture heavily influenced shared a national identity. From the destructive world wars that decimated Europe to the anti-colonial uprisings that would see most nations around the world gain independence, it was clear that a national culture was vital (Payne, & Tortorice 2004, p.73 and Rabow-Edling, 2004, p.51). In this case, therefore, a national culture can be looked at a positive aspect since it was vital in helping movements that would push for independence and self-rule. 

When national cultures are evaluated in relation to gender inequality, several loopholes emerge, which have resulted in widespread subjugation and mistreatment of women. Most ethnic and racial cultures have predominantly been patriarchal (Caren et al. 1999. p.66). In other words, women have continually second fiddle to men, an element that has been reflected in most national cultures. While the gender bias and discrimination is often overlooked within the ethnic or racial groups, its impact at the national level has catastrophic events on women. The fact that a national culture informs and influences decision making means that its outcomes have a far much greater impact on national policies (Dubois, & Dumenil 2009, p.71). Issues such as unequal employment opportunities and violence against women can be traced down to the highly limiting patriarchal outlooks at a national level. To this extent, it posits a significant negative impact on society. 

Another lens that allows for a realistic analysis of the impact of cultural nationalism is through forms of government that emerge across the world. National governments reflect the shared ideals, norms and values of a given people ( Bishop 2005, p .22) For instance, with liberty and freedom as the common denominator within the United States society, it has subsequently established a national culture that embraces and reflects these norms and ideals. The country has managed to endear a national identity of freedom and democracy (Dassanowsky, & Lehman 2000, p.102). On the downside, however, oppressive and dictatorial governments have also applied similar ideology in oppressing their citizenry. 

The Maoist regime in China is an example of a government that rode on shared values and beliefs to oppress and harm its people. The communist ideology embraced by the Maoist regime has its roots in the shared values of family and community that were dominant in Chinese culture (Harumi, 1993, p.45). In more recent times, North Koreas society represents a perfect example of a society whose national culture has been used as a means of oppression. Successive oppressive leadership regime shave helped establish a widespread culture of submission to authority. It is upon this platform that the present leadership continues to thrive. 

In the twenty-first century, however, several issues have taken center stage, with the most crucial one being globalization. Technological advancements in communication and transportation have made the movement of people and ideas much easier and more efficient. With globalization, the global community has been treated to new found awareness of cultural diversity (Gougnaridou 2005, p.39). The ability to appreciate differences in ancestry, food, language, beliefs and norms have come about as a result of a globalizing society. The importance of this particular element is that it has created immense opportunities to be explored. 

Cultural tourism is an example of one of the opportunities that have come about due to globalization. As information on new cultural identities continues to emerge, it is becoming clear, that peaceful coexistence can only come about through cultural integration (Kivisto 2002). Cultural integration is a process that entails acknowledging and appreciating the cultural differences that are prevalent across the globe. It is upon such a pretext that cultural tourism has emerged. 

Cultural nationalism is primarily an attempt to regenerate the hopes and beliefs of people by expanding the scope of their values, norms and behaviors beyond the confines of ethnic or racial differences. Through cultural tourism communities around the world are beginning to appreciate the importance of cultural diversity even as local communities continue to enjoy newly found revenue streams (Delanty, & O'Mahony 2002, p.47). As thousands of travelers throng to various cultural centers around the world, nations are beginning to appreciate the need of preserving their cultures to attract cultural tourists. On a positive note, therefore, cultural nationalism can be looked upon as a system that allows for the creation of new revenues streams for various nations. 

In the world of business, cultural nationalism plays a critical role in decision making as well as strategic planning. The fact that environment is a vital determinant of company success means that the cultural makeup of a place is as crucial as the resources it offers. In the globalizing world, business has assumed a new outlook, with many companies' seeking to increase their profit margins by venturing into the international markets. International expansion strategies often rely on national culture before arriving at conclusive results (Moran, Palmer, & Borstorff 2007, p.5). The fact that a national identity is vital for investors means that a country is likely to benefit or loss when a holistic view of a nation is used in making business decisions. 

This strong relationship between the world of business and cultural nationalism has been instrumental in bringing about societal changes in various communities around the world. In China, for instance, the desire to become the global manufacturing center has seen it tremendously transform its national identity (Pecora 2001, p.109). While the motive has been economically instigated, nevertheless it has brought some positive impacts on the Chinese people. From the abolishment of the one-child policy to the adoption and implementation of environmental policies, China has had to transform its national values and norms to attract business to its borders. 

The adoption of a national culture is also synonymous with the elimination of harmful ethnicity and racism. In societies that have a higher prevalence of cultural, ethnic or racial diversity, the process of integration can often be cumbersome, with the United States as a perfect reference point. As one of the most ethnically and racially diverse nations on earth, the United States has experienced a fair share of challenges emanating from this diversity in its history (Acuña, 1988, p.43). The unification of the nation has, however, been achieved through a common cultural outlook. A national culture has been instrumental in helping it define its identity and in the process cementing together the diverse groups that make up its national population. By highlighting and emphasizing the importance of shared nationality, the cultural nationalism allows for the transcendence of racial and ethnic differences allowing for the establishment of a society that is culturally nationalistic. In this regard, therefore, it can be looked at as a platform and strategy for racial unification. 

Ultimately the nationalization of identity and culture brings about a multiplicity of outcomes for society. An evaluation of both its positive and negative aspects points towards the fact that the nature of the result is dependent upon how a national culture is utilized. A vital issue worth noting in relation to cultural nationalism is that is formulation and establishment is a great threat to cultural minorities (Eade, et al. 2008, p.88). The fact that the formulation of a national culture entails the promotion of a common language, values, norms and behavior mean that communities with minor cultural representation are likely to be trampled upon by the dominant new culture. 

Considering the positive impact that cultural nationalism has had on human rights, freedom, democracy as well as cultural tourism, it becomes clear that major solution lies in proper utilization. Its manipulation by greedy and oppressive leaders brings about tremendous harm to society. When a meaningful; approach and strategy is employed in establishing a national identity and culture, it can help bring about a moral and highly conscious society through regeneration. The underlying theme that can be captured from this analysis is that cultural nationalism allows for unification for a common cause. It is this cause however that can bring about positive results or devastation. 

The bottom line of this particular write up is to be found in the realization of that cultural nationalism provides a unique and efficient platform upon which the establishment of societies and communities with shared values can be realized. Greater emphasis should, however, be placed on the development of a holistic, inclusive and comprehensive national identity. Most of the adverse outcomes that are linked to this particular phenomenon come about due to the aspect of exclusivity and discrimination. In other words, the formulation of a national culture should not be achieved at the expense of some racial or ethnic minorities as has been witnessed throughout history. Exemplary leadership is thus vital in helping shape and define a universal system of values, dreams, ideas and beliefs. 

References 

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