Changing Structures, Changing Identities: A Rational Choice Examination of Basque National Identity

This study examines the impact of changes in political structures on the articulation of national identity by Basque elites in Spain. Rational choice variants of constructivist theories of identity suggest that elites create identities according to rational calculations, as they attempt to maintain or elevate their group's status vis-a-vis other groups, as well as their own status within the in-group. Changes in the structures within which elites operate, however, will alter the available choices for the pursuit of goals and rearrange elite preferences. With the introduction of new opportunity structures in the political environment, nationalist elites can be expected to exploit these variables to their advantage. Using primary school textbooks, this investigation traces the articulation of Basque identity from the Franco regime through the democratic transition and Spain's accession into the European Union in order to demonstrate the changes that have taken place over time. These changes correspond to structural breaks that resulted in an altered political environment. Thus, it is argued that the observed changes in the articulation of Basque national identity are a result of reordered nationalist preferences.