Effect of group status and conflict on national identity: Evidence from the Brexit referendum in Northern Ireland

Abstract

National identity remains one of the most potent forces in global politics, yet surprisingly little is known about processes of national identity formation and change. This article argues that national identity preferences are susceptible to fluctuations in group status and distance but constrained by conflict experience and socialization. Integrating research on conflict socialization with social identity theory, we hypothesize that growing up during violent intergroup conflict socializes individuals into identities and attitudes which are durable to significant changes. Conversely, the identity preferences of those who grow up during relative peace are more malleable and likely to change due to significant events which affect perception of group identities. Exploiting the unique political context in Northern Ireland, where individuals can legally choose to identify as Irish, British, or both, we use a diff-in-diff approach to estimate national identity preferences of individuals before and after the EU referendum. The results show that 20% of Protestants who did not experience conflict shifted from British towards Irish identity after the referendum. However, for those who experienced violent intergroup conflict, there is a ‘durable distance’ between groups which constrains identity change irrespective of fluctuations in status. The results have important implications for our understanding of national identity, particularly in post-conflict societies.

A Review on Relationship between Curriculum and National Identity in China

“…National identity is a multidimensional psychological construct Safa et al (2022), as well as a dynamic concept Smith (1991), which reflects the changing conditions of a nation and the influence of various socially contradictory factors. Reasons for studying national identity include the fact that a weaker national identity can threaten social cohesion and exacerbate ethnic conflict Verkuyten & Martinovic (2012), but another, more important reason for studying national identity is that it is important to understand the determinants of national identity because national identity has a significant impact on other aspects of society, such as social conflict Canavan & Turkoglu (2022), labor market (Nekby & Rödin, 2010). Children's national identity and attitudes are related to the environment and practice patterns in which they live (Barrett & Oppenheimer, 2011).…”