Social Construction of National Reality

This study applies Peter Berger’s theory of social construction of reality to explain the origins of national identity and the process of nation building. The authors examine how everyday experiences lead to the socialization of an ingroup-outgroup mentality which differentiates nationals and foreigners. Using this theory to advance an understanding of conflicts between national groups, the authors analyze how national consciousnesses have precipitated the Taiwan Strait Crisis, upheavals in Tibet, and Hong Kong’s Umbrella Movement.