Ligamenten van de staat? Over regionale identiteit en de taaiheid van de provincie

Abstract

Ligaments of the State? On Regional Identity and the Tenacity of the ProvincesWithin the public forum, voices have recently been heard expressing the view that regional and national identities should be considered to be key features. Apparently, they possess a central core that has been handed down from the far distant past. There is, however, little support for this position within scientific circles. Generally, regional and national identities are seen as constructions based on group culture, group binding and image building. In this process of group formation an important role is taken on by ‘identitybuilders’. Historians and others working in the sphere of cultural heritage are included in this group. In this article, recent provincial histories and regional cultural and economic policies are discussed in this light.