An Explanation of Xenophobic Nationalism by Subjective Economic Situations

Focus on Varieties of Nationalism

Abstract

This study examines whether subjective economic situations can explain xenophobic nationalism. Previous studies attempted to explain xenophobic nationalism using either subjective or objective economic conditions. However, the results were inconsistent with those obtained from empirical studies. This study relies on Shayoʼs（2009）theory and the social identity theory. Based on the predictions of these theories, we argue that the inconsistent results can be explained by introducing the perspective of the classification of nationalism and then examining them through quantitative analysis. The analysis is based on longitudinal data obtained from a web survey. According to the results of latent class analysis, two types of xenophobic nationalism（ethnic and ultra-nationalism）can be distinguished, as in previous studies. The results of fixed-effects binomial and multinomial logistic regression show that ethnic nationalism could be explained by subjective economic situations. If nationalism is viewed as diverse, subjective economic conditions can explain the generation of ethnic nationalism.