The Meaning and Limitations of the Subjective National Identity Scale: The Case of Spain

Abstract

The Moreno Question—or Subjective National Identity Scale (SNIS)—is frequently used to study ethno-territorial claims and conflicts. Its origin and development are not so well-known. The SNIS was first implemented in Spain, in the late 1960s, and scale data have been gathered regularly since then. While the relevant definition of ‘national’ has been a constant source of controversy, the SNIS measure has systematically found duality predominating across the country. Focussing on SNIS methodology and its impact on data and interpretation, this article investigates the scale’s psychometric and sociological features, including structure and wording. That the scale tends to inflate dual responses has already been noted elsewhere but the interpretation of this duality, in terms of individual national sentiments, is still too readily accepted. The scale’s identity adjectives and their use in social science are insufficiently analysed, especially as pertains to Spain. Further analysis could also be of relevance for other plurinational states and ethno-political contexts.