Gellnerian Theory of Nationalism

The Gellnerian Theory of Nationalism, developed by Ernest Gellner, suggests that nationalism arises from the shift to modern industrial societies. As these societies require a unified, literate, and skilled population, they promote a shared language and culture to create social coherence. This shared identity helps maintain social order and economic productivity. In essence, Gellner sees nationalism as a byproduct of modernization, where the creation of a common national culture is essential for the functioning of complex societies, rather than simply a result of ancient loyalties or ethnic ties.