> 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/group-identity-and-group-differences.md). # Group identity & group differences Ancestry, genetics, heritage and culture can all be important parts of a group’s identity. Some nations may want to protect and preserve these differences and this is where nationalism could be used as a political solution for achieving this outcome. ## **Ancestry** Ancestry refers to someone’s family lineage and geographic origins. Shared ancestry and history as a distinct group can contribute towards individuals having a sense of belonging within their own ancestral group. A nation might want to protect its ancestral group due to their long-established history together as a distinct group. It could be easier to share commonalities with people that have a similar ancestry and background. A long-established ancestral group is who will be the most closely tied to the historical culture and achievements of their own nation-state. Protecting this ancestral group could be seen as one of the more reliable ways to protect the continuity of their heritage, culture and way of life. ## **Genetics** Genetics refers to inherited biological variation encoded in DNA. It influences traits such as eye colour, blood type, disease risk and many other physical traits. Differences exist within groups and across groups. Genetic differences can also mean differences in average group behaviours and general levels of intelligence. A nation might want to protect its genetic differences due to the distinct physical traits that they want to preserve. They might want the distinct visual appearance of their group to continue into the future as a part of their national identity. Another reason a nation may want to protect its genetic differences are if their group have higher levels of average intelligence or more desirable behaviours on average than other groups. Protecting this genetic pool could be an effective way to prevent dysgenic outcomes due to intermixing with lower average IQ populations or those that are exhibiting less desirable group behaviours on average. ## **Heritage** Heritage is the legacy passed down from previous generations. It includes both family inheritance and any shared historical traditions. Heritage can include things like language, collective memories, religion, customs, stories, food, art, historical pieces of infrastructure, artefacts and memorials. Different groups may have different heritages because of their distinct histories, institutions and traditions. A nation might want to protect its heritage due to the populations close ties to what has been passed down through generations. Some individuals may feel a sense of pride in their nation’s history, infrastructure or achievements, they also might have a sense of connection to their group’s past and traditions. ## **Culture** Culture refers to the shared practices, values, norms, symbols, language and ways of life of a group. Culture is also a part of a groups heritage, where generations will pass down things to their children and the wider community such as traditions, rituals, festivals, performing arts, music, dance and so on. A nation might want to protect its culture due to the impact it has on their way of living and day to day life. Some individuals could greatly prefer their own culture when compared to other cultures that they’ve experienced. However it is also important to note that culture is not fixed. It changes over time through invention, reform, contact with other societies, technological change and generational changes. A nation may preserve core cultural features while still adapting in other areas. ## **Group identity dilution and replacement concerns** Each distinct groups ancestry, genetics, culture and heritage are not the same. If migrants are invited into another groups country and they are eventually given citizenship and political membership there is a risk that this could dilute or eventually lead to the replacement of certain group differences. After a long time period it can still be difficult to expect another group to assimilate perfectly into another country’s culture. There will often be persistent differences and the host nation can be changed due to those differences. A number of people won’t want to fully abandon their heritage and cultural identity that is most closely linked with their ancestry. Another important factor on the topic of culture is the fact that new and expanding cultures that are becoming more prominent might not be better than the existing culture, you may even be able to easily prove that parts of the incoming culture are undesirable in numerous ways. An example of that could be first cousin marriages. Inbreeding can increase the absolute risk of certain recessive disorders, which could include a reduction in general levels of intelligence. This outcome can obviously be a burden for society as these children could become fully dependent on their parents as well as the state to help look after them. The host population needs to be able to identify and express their preferences on any group differences that they want to protect and preserve in their society. Nationalism represents a political solution that can help with preventing these group differences from being diluted or replaced. Each nation needs to decide themselves what parts of their group identity they want to preserve as this can help with adopting a more suitable form of nationalism to achieve that outcome. ## **How each type of nationalism handles group identity and group differences** * **Civic nationalism** - Civic nationalism defines membership primarily through citizenship, law, shared institutions and political values. It is generally open to people regardless of ancestry, provided they accept the civic order. Civic nationalism may allow greater demographic and cultural change than descent-based nationalism, but it can still have strict borders and citizenship rules that could help to preserve a common language, public culture, national history and shared institutions. * **Cultural nationalism** - Cultural nationalism defines the nation primarily through shared language, customs, values, historical memory and way of life. It may allow people of different ancestral backgrounds to become full members if they assimilate into the national culture. However, its openness depends on how narrowly the culture is defined and whether cultural membership is seen as learnable or inherited. The ancestral group and their genetics could therefore be diluted or even replaced over the long term due to demographic change. * **Ancestral nationalism** - Ancestral nationalism tries to protect the long-established ancestral population which also means it can help with protecting genetics as well. The ancestral population are who predominantly defined the culture within that nation, so protecting this group can often be the most reliable way to protect their distinct heritage and culture. Ancestral nationalism should be the most reliable approach for preserving the continuity of a nation’s group identity but even ancestral nationalism will enable slow and gradual change due to intermixing.