> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.nationalism.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.nationalism.io/cultural-nationalism/understanding-cultural-nationalism.md).

# Understanding cultural nationalism

## **What is cultural nationalism?**

Cultural nationalism is a form of nationalism centred on shared culture, such as language, traditions, religion, customs, heritage and social norms. It emphasises a common way of life rather than strict ancestry alone.

In cultural nationalism, the nation is understood as a cultural community. People may be considered part of the nation if they adopt or participate in the dominant culture, even if they do not share the same ancestry as the majority population.

## **Goal of cultural nationalism**

The goal of cultural nationalism is to preserve or strengthen the nation’s distinct culture, which might include its language, traditions, heritage, religion, arts, historical memory and cultural norms.

Cultural nationalists often believe that a nation needs a shared culture to remain socially cohesive and historically continuous. This can involve protecting national languages, preserving historical sites, supporting traditional customs or encouraging cultural education.

## Key features of cultural nationalism

* **Conditionally inclusive** — People from different ancestral, racial, linguistic or religious backgrounds may become members of the nation if they adopt or participate in the nation’s dominant culture. This usually means learning the national language, accepting shared customs, identifying with national traditions and supporting the state’s political framework. Cultural nationalism is often more open than ancestral nationalism because outsiders can gain belonging through cultural assimilation or integration, but it is less open than civic nationalism because cultural adaptation is expected.
* **Partially flexible national identity and culture** — The nation’s identity can change over time, but usually more slowly than under civic nationalism. Cultural nationalism values continuity, so new members are generally expected to fit into the existing cultural framework rather than radically redefine it. However, as new groups integrate, they may still gradually influence the national culture.

## **Citizenship**

Citizenship can be given to people who adopt the dominant language, traditions and culture of the nation.

In this model, belonging is not necessarily based on ancestry, but on cultural assimilation or integration. A person from a different ancestral background may be accepted as part of the nation if they learn the language, follow the customs and identify with the national culture.

## **Voting power**

Voting power is given equally to all citizens.

Once people are accepted as citizens, they usually receive the same political rights as other citizens. Cultural nationalism does not necessarily require different voting rights based on ancestry, although it may place importance on cultural participation and national identity.

## **Representation**

Representation is based on citizenship. Anyone can become a representative regardless of ancestry.

However, representatives may be expected to support and promote the national culture, language and traditions. In culturally nationalist states, political leaders may be judged partly by how well they defend or preserve the cultural identity of the nation.