Nativism

Nativism Definition

Nativism, in a sociological context, refers to the ethnocentric responses exhibited by native-born populations towards immigrants, rooted in the belief that the identity and virtues of the existing majority are threatened by external groups. This sentiment often manifests as political opposition aimed at restricting or preventing immigration. Historically, this has involved efforts to curb the influence of recent immigrant groups, such as Catholic populations or Asian communities, by asserting the primacy of indigenous identity.

Political Manifestations

The term is most frequently applied to historical political movements, particularly in the United States during the mid-nineteenth century. For instance, in the 1850s, American political parties adopted platforms designed to restrict immigration, often targeting groups from Southern European Catholic countries and seeking to limit the power of Catholics and other recent arrivals. A notable feature of nativism is its tendency to group populations; a single target group can later become part of the nativist bloc attempting to obstruct subsequent waves of immigration. Similar processes have been observed in other nations, such as Australia and New Zealand.

Psychological Context

Beyond its sociological application, the term has a distinct meaning in psychology, where it denotes a theoretical stance that prioritises heredity and the biological underpinnings of human behaviour over the influence of the environment, contrasting with empiricism.

Key Study

The classic examination of these responses is documented in John Higham’s work, Strangers in the Land: Patterns of American Nativism (1860–1925).