This thesis examines the influence of nationalism on individual identity, focusing on the United States as a case study. It argues that the emergence of nationalism significantly shapes personal identity, impacting individual worldviews and lifeways. Utilizing insights from sociology, philosophy, and religious studies, this paper delves into modern concepts of diversity, secularism, and the social phenomenon of nationalism. The study explores the intersection of nation and religion, suggesting a shift toward individual worldviews and lifeways as a framework that encompasses both religious and secular perspectives to recognize the influence of both in the lives of individuals. Through an analysis of American culture, the paper demonstrates nationalism's role in molding American societal norms and individual identities. Additionally, this research underscores the importance of recognizing the impact of nationalism for navigating the complexities of modern pluralistic societies, contributing to the ongoing cultural conversation by offering an analysis that bridges secular and religious perspectives to offer a holistic understanding of individual and collective meaning-making in the contemporary world.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bu.edu/oai:open.bu.edu:2144/48750 |
| Date | 13 May 2024 |
| Creators | Henricks, Jordan L. |
| Contributors | Manglos-Weber, Nicolette |
| Source Sets | Boston University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
| Rights | Attribution 4.0 International, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ |
Page generated in 0.0022 seconds