The descent of nations: social evolutionary theory, modernism and ethno‐symbolism

Kerr, W (2019) The descent of nations: social evolutionary theory, modernism and ethno‐symbolism. Nations and Nationalism, 25 (1). pp. 104-123. ISSN 1354-5078

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Abstract

This article explores the use of a revised conception of social evolutionary theory towards an understanding of nationalism. First, I review the debate between ethno-symbolism and modernism, through the lens of the Warwick Debate between Gellner and Smith, arguing that both are partly right. Secondly, I outline what the revised conception of social evolution is looking first at its traditional conception before outlining a Darwinian view of social evolutionary theory. Finally, I examine how Darwinian social evolutionary theory can help fruitfully bring the ethno-symbolic and modernist perspectives together. This is done by a sustained engagement primarily with the theories of Anthony Smith and Ernest Gellner pointing to how Darwinian social evolutionary theory can provide a link between the two theories that makes them mutually supportive rather than opposed.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Kerr, W. (2019) The descent of nations: social evolutionary theory, modernism and ethno-symbolism. Nations and Nationalism, 25: 104–123. https://doi.org/10.1111/nana.12426., which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/nana.12426. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. This article may not be enhanced, enriched or otherwise transformed into a derivative work, without express permission from Wiley or by statutory rights under applicable legislation. Copyright notices must not be removed, obscured or modified. The article must be linked to Wiley’s version of record on Wiley Online Library and any embedding, framing or otherwise making available the article or pages thereof by third parties from platforms, services and websites other than Wiley Online Library must be prohibited.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	50 Philosophy and Religious Studies; 5002 History and Philosophy Of Specific Fields; Political Science & Public Administration
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Divisions:	Humanities and Social Science
Publisher:	Wiley
Date of acceptance:	5 March 2018
Date of first compliant Open Access:	12 May 2025
Date Deposited:	12 May 2025 12:26
Last Modified:	12 May 2025 12:30
DOI or ID number:	10.1111/nana.12426
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/26341

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