Ethnicity and Revitalization in the Modern World System

Abstract

Abstract A “romantic syndrome” is defined as that type of anti-modern revitalisation movement which is oriented to resolving the discontents produced by universalistic inclusion in modern societies, by means of reintegration in terms of presumed historical community. The theme, thrust, and internal tensions of ethnic movements are analyzed along lines suggested by the ideal-typical romantic syndrome. The form and emergence of ethnic-romantic movements are interpreted in terms of a theoretical framework containing internal-societal and transsocietal variables. Romanticism and fundamentalism are briefly compared, with emphasis on the paradoxical features and quintessentially modern character of ostensibly anti-modern movements.