In this multidisciplinary panel researchers will discuss the manifestations of (neo)nationalism in contemporary societies. They will also pose critical questions about research on (neo)nationalism. Professor Jouni Häkli will look at the critiques of methodological nationalism and whether or not these remain justified. Whereas national societies have become more porous, it is timely to explore how to study nationalism in ways that acknowledge the complex de- and re-nationalizing tendencies. Nelli Piattoeva will consider how nationalism is reproduced in the digital spaces of education and by actors supposedly removed from nationalistic discourses such as digital education entrepreneurs. Because digitalization tends to be associated with transcending borders and a post-national development or with ultraindividualism trough personalisation, it is at risk of being excluded from the discussions on how it enables the nationally framed world to continue. Professor Zsuzsa Millei will address the shift from welfare state’s values of solidarity and equality as the glue of national societies in the Nordics to virulent forms of exclusionary nationalism. Nationalism is on the rise and is taking spectacular forms often supported by the misinterpretation of scientific evidence. Welfare policies including early childhood education are enlisted to react to the growing diversity of societies as a threat to normative cultural homogeneity and associated status quo – a product of nation-building processes itself.
Panel discussion: Manifestations of (neo)nationalism in contemporary societies
This panel is organized by TRANSIT – Research Centre on Transnational and Transformation hosted by the Faculty of Education and Culture.
The panelist are: Professor Nelli Piattoeva, Professor Jouni Häkli and Professor Zsuzsa Millei.
The discussion will be chaired by Professor Mervi Kaukko.