Psychology Behind Patriotism

In India, Patriotism is considered a sacred virtue. We almost Worship our Freedom Fighters and hold them high in honour. For us, they are a reminder of our love for our country and the freedom we owe to them for their struggles. It is a feeling of Awe and Amazement when we hear their stories. Not just in India, Patriots all over the world have fought for the well-being and safety of their country. Not just through battles but through many other contributions, the divinity of patriotism is kept alive.

But Have you ever wondered why some people spend their whole lives living for their country, the citizens and its land? How some people have this “we” feeling or how they carry this pride and prestige while talking about their country. The sense of belongingness and attaching yourself to your nation, even if it means the country’s identity and your identity overlap.

According to Clinical Psychologist, Jaismeen Dua, “the social and political environment of an individual undeniably influences mental well-being. Patriotism, a sentiment felt differently among individuals, is indeed a quality that intersects with this discussion. However, its direct correlation with mental health is complex and multifaceted. Considering the concept of freedom within the context of a politically stable, socially cohesive, and culturally rich nation, there’s a tangible link to mental health. Such an environment fosters a sense of liberation and security, thereby reducing stress and supporting positive mental health. Thus, living in a stable society not only enhances personal freedom but also contributes significantly to mental well-being.”

Understanding patriotism

Patriotism is a concept which deals with love and devotion towards one’s country. Patriotism is about feeling attached, where you and your country are seen as one. The patriotic structure and symbols, like the national anthem, the flag, and other symbolic elements provide a sense of belongingness and connectivity to the nation and its people, generating feelings of safety.

Some people go to lengths to show how patriotic they are, even by sacrificing themselves, their life and their family. It can be a physical sacrifice, or an emotional one where one’s whole belief system is centred around the nation, and anything negative causes significant distress.

There are four specific attitudes or beliefs associated with patriotism; the first being affection towards one country, identifying himself or herself to one country, being interested in one’s country’s welfare and sacrificing in the name of the country.

Some psychologists believe that patriotism and feelings of love and affection towards one’s country are conditioned. Patriotism plays a role in unifying the people living in a community, increasing feelings of unanimity and cohesiveness. Patriotism is promoted in many ways, like in stories, tales, and these days in movies as well. This is how generations living in a community are conditioned or taught that they have to care for the well-being of people living in their country.

Especially talking about India, during the colonial era, patriotism flourished as it gave people hope of freedom, safety, and psychological rest during those harsh times. The process of standing up for the independence and freedom of India was mobilised through patriotic acts, which took place in masses, be it through stories, word of mouth, underground literature, and magazines. Some people even sacrificed their lives for the country’s betterment, while others faced imprisonment far from their families and homeland, illustrating their readiness to die for their nation. During those times, Freedom fighters held speeches, promoting the idea of Independent India, and the safety, liberty, and choice it would bring along with it.

And then, when India gained independence in 1947, those patriotic acts that took place before independence helped create ‘one identity’ for the people of India, which also influenced the country’s political development. Creating one identity and associating that identity with the people unified the country. Even today, movies, stories, books, and more recount the era when India struggled for freedom. They depict how freedom fighters and ordinary people worked tirelessly to unite the populace, offer hope, and ensure safety in pursuing freedom. These narratives continue to ignite the flame of patriotism.

Social Identity Theory and Patriotism

Social identity theory examines how a person’s behaviour and aspects of identity are influenced by the group they are in. This theory highlights how some people give more importance to their social identity which is derived from the group or community. They are in rather than their identity. This theory has three components, first social categorisation, where people categorise themselves as a part of the group, including themselves in the group. The next is social comparison, where people usually compare their values, traditions, and practices with those of others. 

The third is social identification, where the individual starts identifying themselves with the group, changing themselves according to the values and norms of it. Social identity theory provides a basis for understanding patriotism as people categorise themselves with the country. They live in, where they term themselves as nationalists, who want to bring a change for the betterment of the people of the country. They often compare other countries with their own, Which provides them with a feeling of superiority and pride in the name of the country and this starts identifying with the norms and traditions of the country, be it cultural practices, the system and the government and its activities, et cetera.

According to Career Counselor and Psychologist Anchita Kapoor, National identity and a sense of belonging can be strong contributors to a healthy self-image. Feeling connected to your country’s culture, history, or achievements can provide a sense of security and stability. It fosters a feeling of being “at home” and being part of something larger. However, it’s important to recognize that extreme emotions, even positive ones like intense national pride, can be limiting. National identity is just one aspect of who you are. The good news is that a healthy sense of national pride can positively impact your mental well-being. It contributes to feelings of happiness and belonging, which are important for overall mental health

Cognitive Dissonance Theory

Cognitive dissonance theory talks about the mental unrest that people go through when their attitudes and perceptions are not aligned. This is caused by having conflicting beliefs or opinions about the topic. Patriotism provides a solution for cognitive dissonance as the feelings associated with patriotism provide mental and psychological rest and safety to the people. People feel psychologically satisfied when their beliefs are in alignment, especially when it comes to their country. From speaking up in favour of the country, upholding and spreading awareness about the traditions and customs, and wearing the term nationalist as a badge of honour.

Read: Cognitive Dissonance Theory by Leon Festinger

Social Learning Theory and Conditioning of Patriotic Beliefs

Social learning theory deals with how individuals learn and adapt to the environment around them. It fosters beliefs that people learn habits, and behaviour by observing their surroundings, especially how a child learns their way of living from their parents.

This theory aligns with how some psychologists believe that patriotic feelings are conditioned in people. People learn patriotic beliefs. And behaviours by interacting with others, like their family members, peers, et cetera. Especially with the development of media, where everything is just one click away, having resources like books, magazines, and movies about nationalist beliefs can influence and modify an individual’s perception of their country and its people.

Read: The Importance of Socialization In Influencing Human Behaviour

Role of Media in Promoting Patriotism

During India’s struggle to gain independence, the media was an affluent factor that helped promote the idea of patriotism to the masses and even today the media has upheld that position. Even after independence, stories of freedom fighters, how strategies were built how information was spread among the masses, et cetera are brought back to life through media.

Patriotism is a deep love and devotion to one’s country. In India, it’s almost sacred, with great respect for freedom fighters who won our independence. Their stories inspire awe and pride. This feeling is universal, as people worldwide dedicate their lives to their nations. Patriotism connects individuals to their country through symbols like the flag and anthem. It often involves significant sacrifices for the nation’s welfare. Psychologists see patriotism as learned behaviour, fostering unity and cohesion. Theories like Social Identity and Cognitive Dissonance explain how people align their identity and beliefs with their country, reducing mental discomfort. Social Learning Theory highlights how observing others and media influences patriotic behaviour. Thus, patriotism unites people, fostering shared identity and pride.