Using the story-telling technique in the qualitative research of national identity

Abstract

This paper contains the main results of qualitative research on Romanian national identity. The research proposes a new approach to national identity based on two methodological elements: patriotic songs as a stimulus for reflection on national identity and the presentation of data in the form of story-telling. The theoretical background integrates the social identity theory and the theory of social representations. The main conclusion of the research is that Romanians have a negative social identity in relation to their own country and the political class is seen as the main culprit for the country’s bad situation.