Key features:
* Prioritizing the interests of native-born citizens: This can manifest in policies aimed at restricting immigration, promoting the assimilation of immigrants, or limiting their access to social services.
* Promoting cultural homogeneity: Nativists often believe in preserving the existing culture and traditions of a nation, sometimes viewing immigration as a threat to these values.
* Opposition to multiculturalism: Nativists tend to oppose the idea of a diverse society and may see multiculturalism as a challenge to national unity.
* Fear of economic competition: Nativists may argue that immigrants take jobs away from native-born citizens or depress wages.
* Fear of cultural change: They might view immigrants as a threat to the existing social order and way of life.
It's important to note:
* Nativism is not inherently racist, but it can be used to justify discriminatory policies.
* While it often targets immigrants, nativism can also be directed towards any group perceived as "foreign" or "different."
* The term "nativism" can be used in a broader sense to refer to any ideology that emphasizes the importance of "nativeness" or belonging to a specific place or group.
Examples of nativism in history:
* The Know-Nothing Party in the United States (1840s-1850s)
* Anti-immigrant movements in Europe during the 19th and 20th centuries
* The rise of far-right political parties in many countries today
While nativism can be expressed through various political movements and ideologies, its core belief remains the same: a preference for native-born inhabitants over immigrants.