Gellner's theory of nationalism

Gellner's theory of nationalism is an idea by philosopher Ernest Gellner that explains why nationalism (the feeling of pride in your nation) has become so important in the world today. He thought that nationalism was caused by two main things. First, people living in the same place and feeling a sense of unity with each other, created by shared beliefs and customs. Second, an increase in education and technology, which allowed those people to work together and create a modern nation. Gellner argued that the combination of these two developments is what caused nationalism to become an important part of people's identities. In short, when people live in the same area, have similar customs and beliefs, and are able to work together, they can create a shared identity that they take pride in--this is nationalism!