A Multi-Method Approach to National Identity: From Individual Level Attachment to National Attachment

48 Pages Posted: 6 Feb 2019

See all articles by M. Murat Ardag

M. Murat Ardag

University of Oldenburg; BIGSSS

J. Christopher Cohrs

University of Marburg

Torsten J. Selck

University of Groningen

Date Written: January 23, 2019

Abstract

Background & motivation: The elusive nature of national identities poses a challenge for researchers. We overcome this challenge by adopting a multi-method approach to bring together the qualitative (national identity narratives) and quantitative (measurable dimensions) elements of national identities in compelling ways.

Methods: Using convenience samples of German and Turkish university students (two countries with different political climates), we apply structural equation modeling and structural topic modeling to examine the subjective viewpoints in national identity perceptions. We also check what individual differences would potentially explain this subjectivity.

Results: We discover three subjective viewpoints of national identification in the German sample; in the Turkish sample, students framed Turkish nationhood in four distinct ways. Our results also reveal that attachment style (a psychological trait, which is deeply embedded in an individual) plays a role in these subjective identification processes.

Relevance & Implications: The overall results reveal the intricate subjective processes in national identification processes. We highlight the importance of multi-method research and suggest further research agenda.

Keywords: Multi-Method, SEM, Structural Topic Modeling, National Identity, Subjectivity, Germany, Turkey

Suggested Citation

Ardag, M. Murat and Cohrs, J. Christopher and Selck, Torsten J., A Multi-Method Approach to National Identity: From Individual Level Attachment to National Attachment (January 23, 2019). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3321204 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3321204

M. Murat Ardag (Contact Author)

University of Oldenburg ( email )

Ammerländer Heerstraße 114-118
Oldenburg, D-26111
Germany
+49 441 798 2345 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.emmir.org/

BIGSSS ( email )

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Bremen, DE 28215
Germany

J. Christopher Cohrs

University of Marburg ( email )

Universitätsstrasse 24
D-35032 Marburg, D-35032
Germany

Torsten J. Selck

University of Groningen ( email )

Postbus 72
9700 AB Groningen
Netherlands
+31 50 363 5998 (Phone)
+31 50 363 7253 (Fax)

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