Unlike the scholars in fields of sociology, political science, philosophy, history

and anthropology, the question of national identity itself has been relatively
rarely examined by psychologists, although it is highly relevant for
conceptualizing a very popular and widely examined theme of group belonging and
social identity. History, especially recently, speaks for itself about the
importance of a nation and ethnic groups and peoples' attachment to them. After the
collapse of the communist system in all Eastern European countries the question of
national identity and processes of national homogenization have become stronger and
very important, leading to an increase of in group loyalty and strong
national(istic) sentiments (cf. Farner, 1994). Understanding the phenomenon of
national identity is not only important from a theoretical point of view, but has
an extreme practical value as well. By understanding the mechanisms of acquisition
and development of this type of in group loyalty, its causes, correlates and
consequences we could be more able to identify possible directions for encouraging
interethnic tolerance. This is particularly important if we bear in mind the fact
that there are only few nationally homogenous countries (if any at