Catalan Nationalism: between Constructed Cultural Memory and Populist Storytelling

Abstract

Spain is one of the countries which is facing a lot of nationalist sentiments and aspirations of certain autonomous communities seeking if not for sovereignty, then at least for greater autonomy or a federal system� This paper aims at investigating the case of Catalonia by examining the roots of Catalan nationalism, its main determinants and drivers for change� It also explains the reasons for evolution of the accompanying factors and claims that Catalan nationalism is civic and not ethnic in nature� Its main factors are economic and cultural as well as ideological ones, built on the common identity shaped by cultural and religious heritage� Till the crisis of 2007/2008, Catalan nationalism was not violent – neither in actions nor in its claims� Deterioration of the economic situation and social frustration made it easier for politicians to use the nationalist argument to win a political battle� It resulted in the revival of — ABSTRAKT —