Separatism

Question 1

Define Separatism

Answer 1

The splitting of people or groups from the larger majority on the basis of cultural, ethnic, religious or political differences

Question 2

Where are separatist groups often found?

Answer 2

On the edge of an area geographically, such as Scotland’s Scottish Nationalists who want to be independent from the UK

Question 3

Define Autonomy

Answer 3

The right of self-government and self-determination

Question 4

Define a Nation

Answer 4

A cultural community

Question 5

What are the 5 dimensions of a Nation?

Answer 5

• Psychological
  The idea that a nation must exist in people’s minds

-Cultural
Members of a nation must understand each other through culture, common languages or customs

-Historical
What existed before them and what will exist after they die is important

-Territory
Nations are often attached to one territory eg. geographical area

-Political
People want autonomy to make their own decisions and to have freedom

Question 6

Define Nationalism

Answer 6

Where a particular country asserts it’s dominance over other people or nations

Question 7

Give an example of nationalism

Answer 7

Children of all races, ages, ethnicities and beliefs pledging allegiance to the flag of the United States of America every morning at school

Question 8

Define an Ethnic group

Answer 8

Max Weber, German sociologist (1864-1920): A human group that entertains a belief in their common descent because of similarities of physical type, or customs and memories of colonisation and migration

Question 9

Give an example of a common identity

Answer 9

Jews bonded by religion and the desire for a separate country, but also reinforced by the treatment and suffering of their ancestors by Hitler and the Nazis

Question 10

Define Xenophobia

Answer 10

An unreasonable hatred or fear of foreigners or strangers

Question 11

Define diasporas

Answer 11

A group that has been dispersed outside its original homeland and it does not possess a territory

Question 12

7 Reasons for separatism:

Answer 12

1. An area being economically depressed compared to a wealthier one
2. A minority language or culture with a different history
3. A minority religious grouping
4. The perception that exploitation of local resources by national government produces little economic gain for the region
5. Peripheral location to the economic/political core
6. Collapse of the state
7. Strengthening of supranational bodies such as the EU

Question 13

6 Consequences of Separatism

Answer 13

• The establishment and maintenance of societies and norms with clear separate cultural identities within a country
• The protection of a language through the media and education
• The growth of separate political parties and devolved power
• Civil obedience
• Terrorist violence
• Civil war

Question 14

What is your case study for separatism?

Answer 14

The Kurds in Kurdistan