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Adapting to Changing Contexts of Choice: The Nation-Building Strategies of Unrecognized Silesians and Rusyns

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 December 2008

Magdalena Dembinska
Magdalena Dembinska*
Affiliation:
McGill University
*
Magdalena Dembinska, Centre for Developing-Area Studies (CDAS), McGill University, 3715 Peel Street, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1X1, Canada, magdalena.dembinska@mail.mcgill.ca.
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Abstract

Abstract. The article explores the relationship between institutional constraints and nation-building. Non-recognized Rusyns in Ukraine and Silesians in Poland respond instrumentally to state definitions of “minority.” Moreover, both groups adjust their strategies to European structures and discourses which provide new ways to frame their identity claims. Institutions determine the constraints and incentives of group action. Identity is not only constructed, but is reconstructed in a rational way. Contrary, however, to the rational choice instrumental perspective which would predict an assimilation process, state policies encourage the Rusyns and Silesians to re-imagine and reinforce their distinctiveness.

Résumé. L'article examine le lien qui existe entre les contraintes institutionnelles et l'édification de la nation. Non reconnus, les Ruthènes en Ukraine et les Silésiens en Pologne réagissent instrumentalement aux définitions du terme «minorité» établies par ces États. De plus, les deux groupes adaptent leurs stratégies aux structures et aux discours de l'Europe, qui leur permet de formuler leurs revendications identitaires d'une nouvelle manière. Les institutions établissent les contraintes et les incitatifs à l'action collective. L'identité n'est pas seulement construite, elle est reconstruite de façon rationnelle. Contrairement, toutefois, à la perspective instrumentale du choix rationnel qui aurait prédit un processus d'assimilation, les politiques étatiques incitent les Ruthènes et les Silésiens à ré-imaginer et à renforcer leur identité distincte.

Type
Research Article
Information
Canadian Journal of Political Science/Revue canadienne de science politique , Volume 41 , Issue 4 , December 2008 , pp. 915 - 934
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Political Science Association 2008

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