Social Integration, Assimilation, and Differences: The Changing Face of 'Nationhood' in the United States In the context of political science, a nation is defined as a "cultural entity... A politically conscious and mobilized collectivity... is essentially subjective, a sense of social belonging and ultimate loyalty" (Jackson and Jackson, 2002:35). Analyzing the meaning of this definition, nation can be characterized according to the following criteria: (1) culture; (2) social belonging and cohesiveness; and (3) politically conscious. Nation is a cultural entity primarily because it is comprised with people who share the same values, traditions, and beliefs, not to mention produce and utilize man-made artifacts that are distinct within the culture. Secondly, nation is seen as a form of social cohesiveness, since it order for culture to prevail and proliferate, it is essential that there exists unity and understanding among the members of a culture/society. Lastly, and perhaps, the most vital...

Entitled, A New Religious America: How a "Christian Country" Has Now Become the World's Most Religiously Diverse Nation" (2001), Eck's discussion of religious diversity in America is a result of a five-year study, analyzing the structure and dynamics embedded in the country's religious culture(s).
Eck's analysis is significant to the issue of nationalism because as a nation, America has been subjected to various changes…