Canadian Natives and nationalism

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Date
1994Author
Caza, Michelle
Type
ThesisDegree Level
MastersMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
The thesis argues that the Canadian Native Movement since 1969 is
better characterized as a nationalist movement rather than a "new social
movement." The new social movement theories of Alain Touraine and Alberto
Melucci are examined with regard to the characteristics they ascribe to ethnonationalist
movements. Both theories are found wanting in several respects. For
example, Touraine specifically excludes ethno-nationalist movements from the
parameters of his argument, while Melucci wrongly assumes that ethnic identity
is a phenomenon which has gained a greater importance in recent years. In
fact, ethnic identity has historically been a central issue to ethno-nationalists.
The similarities between Native ethnic identity and other types of ethnic
identities, as apparent in nationalist ideology, are examined. The conclusion is
that the Native movement is best characterized as a nationalist movement.
However, theories of nationalism do not sufficiently explain the causes of
ethno-nationalism. New social movement theories provide some elucidation
regarding this. Also, resource mobilization theory as developed by John
McCarthy and Mayer Zald provide further factors that explain the emergence of
ethno-nationalist movements.