Nationhood in the non-Western world: National identity and intergroup relations in Mauritius

National identity is of profound importance in all societies around the world. Social psychological research has examined ways in which people might fit in in a nation and their intergroup consequences in terms of the civic-ethnic distinction, with sometimes a cultural understanding added (e.g., Reijerse et al., 2012; Shulman, 2002). However, this research was predominantly conducted in Western countries and in relation to immigrants and ethnic minority groups. It is unclear whether people in non-Western societies make a similar distinction with similar intergroup consequences. Our study investigates national identity in the context of culturally diverse Mauritius and among the numerically largest groups in Mauritius (Hindus, Muslims and Creoles; N = 1770). The findings indicate three main understandings of national identity. The first one is relatively civic and refers to living according to the national, multicultural values of tolerance and celebration of diversity. Stronger endorsement of this understanding was associated with more positive attitudes towards other ethnic groups and immigrants. The second one is more factual and relates to place of birth and citizenship status. The endorsement of this understanding was not associated with out-group attitudes. The third one involved a more cultural understanding (e.g., speaking the language, being religious) and stronger endorsement was associated with more negative intergroup attitudes. There was no evidence for the existence of an ethnic understanding of national identity. These findings show that the distinction in national identity content found in Western countries does not necessarily generalize to non-Western societies.