| This study explores the existence of Nationalistic Collective Identity (NCI), proposed to function as both a social identity and a value-orientation. The study utilized a nationally representative sample of 10,447 people in eight countries in Central and Eastern Europe. Respondents were administered a 16-page survey of values and social attitudes, including view of family and life in their country, political attitudes, problems facing their country, as well as measures of optimism, affect, and stress. To confirm the existence of NCI, the value questions were examined using principle component, multi-dimensional scaling, and cluster analyses. Additionally, correlation and regression analyses were conducted examining the relationship of NCI to a variety of social attitudes. In an eight-factor model of values, constructed using cluster analysis, NCI emerged as a distinct value dimension, associated with collectivism in general. NCI was shown to be positively related to political attitudes, such as patriotism and nationalism, as well as respondents' view of their country as a leader, feelings towards country, optimism, coping behavior, yet also increased perceptions of problems facing country. NCI was associated with a conservative value and attitude orientation, including a longing for the past, greater affect for place, and a rejection of permissive or liberal parenting. Though NCI demonstrates the traits of social identity, its role as a value, as opposed to a broad-reaching attitude is questioned. Implications for extension as well generalizability outside the region are discussed. |
