Lesson 2

Nation and Nationalism

Objectives:

At the end of this section, you should be able to:

1. Define what nationalism and the concepts of state, nation, and the nation-state is;

2. Explain the importance of nationalism in nation-building; and

3. Showcase nationalism and love for the country through an individual activity.

Welcome to our 2nd discussion, where we will look into nationalism, the concept that our very own
national hero portrays in his quest to end the Spanish tyranny. Let us know its significance and relevance
in addressing the social issues that we are currently facing today.

As a start to our lesson, here are some questions that will be relevant to our discussion later on:

1. What makes us Filipinos? Are there necessary traits, practices, or beliefs that make us unique
from other nationalities?

2. What do you think comprises a nation?

The Context of Nationalism

As we look into the life and works of Rizal in this subject, we must also learn concepts that were relevant
to his struggle for freedom from the Spanish tyranny. One of which is the concept of Nationalism. But
before looking into its deeper meaning, we must first distinguish similar terms associated with
nationalism.
Nation – Refers to a group of people that shares a common culture, language, history and other
traditional or customary practices

Nation-State - refers to a state that is governing a nation

State - refers to an entity (political) that exercises sovereign powers over a territory

Therefore, if we define and explain the term nation-state, it is defined as a combination of the elements
of a nation and the state, the nation having the people, and the state having a territory.

How are nations formed?

At present, nations are formed from different beginnings. Not all nations have the same way of
developing, and scholars and social scientists have developed theories that would likely explain how
these were formed and how they originated.

Nation through Primordialism

This theory believes that the national identities of peoples are traced back to the existing features of
groups of people such as race, language, religion, and others. It argues that national identities have
existed ever since, and nations have "ethnic cores."

Nation shaped by Modernity

The second theory, the ideas of a nation, national identity, and nationalism, are shaped by modern
conditions. The national identity of a certain group is brought about by the emergence of events like
capitalism, secularization, urbanization, and bureaucratization. It explains that in pre-modern societies,
social hierarchies could cater to a diversity of culture or language. The rapid change towards modernity
has pushed these societies to become more homogenous or similar through nationalism.
Nation shaped by a Constructivist Approach

This theory states that the concept of nation and nationalism is socially constructed and imagined by
people who identify with a group. The nation is seen as imagined because the people affiliated with that
community have a mental imprint of solidarity's affinity. With this imagined community comes a "deep,
horizontal comradeship" that keeps a harmonious co-existence and even fuels the willingness of the
people to fights and die for that nation.

The Concept of Nation and Bayan

In the Philippines, many people think that the project of nation-building is still ongoing today. Historians
argue that the nineteenth century produced a significant transformation in the lives of Filipinos,
including the genuine articulation of nation and nationhood, which culminated in the first anti-colonial
revolt in Asia led by Andres Bonifacio and his followers.

Moreover, historians emphasize the importance of propagandists like Rizal in his quest to rebuild the
Philippines as a nation and to push for reforms as a Spanish Colony. As you continue to learn about the
concepts of country and nationalism, consider how these concepts have been expressed in the past and
where researchers place these efforts in the indigenous culture.

Filipino historians and scholars have researched the terms and concepts relevant to how Filipinos look
into a deeper understanding of the ideas of a community, a nation, and the process of nation-building.
According to the Sikolohiyang Pilipino at Bagong Kasaysayan, Filipino words, kapwa, and bayan enrich the
discussions about nationalism in the Philippines. The word kapwa is a common concept in Filipino social
relations that strengthens and supports unity and harmony in a certain community. Terms such as
pakikipagkapwa, pakikisama, and pakikipag-ugnay are just some of the words related to Filipinos'
collective culture.

Furthermore, the Filipino word bayan is considered an important concept in understanding Filipino
communities. Bayan or Banua, which is deeply rooted in the Austronesian language, is defined as the
territory or place where people live or the community they identify as to where they belong.

The succeeding chapters will look into the life and works of José Rizal and, through them, try to map how
historical events shaped the national hero's understanding of the nation and nationalism.
ACTIVITY:

A. Aside from Jose Rizal, there were also nationalism icons in the mid-1900s, such as Claro M. Recto. To
know more about his acts of nationalism, click on this link:
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/02/28/claro-mayo-recto-champion-of-filipinonationalism/

B. Look for a picture on the internet that you think represents Filipino Nationalism. Save that picture,
show that to the class, and be ready to answer the following questions below if your name is called for
the oral recitation:

1. Why do you think that your chosen pictures represent Filipino Nationalism?

2. In what ways are your practicing your love for the country?

3. As a Filipino youth, what is the importance of nationalism for you and your fellow youth in the
future of the county? Explain.

Closure

Glad that you have just finished the second lesson in the module! We shall now proceed to the next
lesson.

References

● De Viana, A. et al. (2018) Jose Rizal: Social Reformer and Patriot: A Study of His Life and Times. Rex
Bookstore

● Constantino, R. (1969). The Rizal Law and the Catholic Hierarchy. In thebMaking of a Filipino: A story of
Philippine Colonial Politics, pp. 244 – 247. Quezon City: Malaya Books.

● Laurel, Jose B. Jr. (1960). The Trials of the Rizal Bill. Historical Bulletin 4(2): 130-139.

● Wani-Obias, R. Mallari, A. and Reguindin-Estella, J. (2018). The Life and Works of Rizal. Nation and
Nationalism. pp. 13-24. C & E Publishing, Inc.
Quezon City.