From the Nation to the Citizen: Quebec Historical Writing and the Shaping of Identity

From the Nation to the Citizen: Quebec Historical Writing and the Shaping of Identity

By Ronald Rudin

In this chapter, sociologist and professor Ronald Rudin reviews the concepts of citizenship and identity. He does this by analyzing the contributions of several prominent historians in Quebec, both past and recent.

Rudin starts by reflecting on the thoughts of Gérard Bouchard, a sociologist who regards Quebec’s sovereignty as “the most desirable political option for the future.” Bouchard also states that “societies do not develop a sense of their identity by chance; rather, identities are constructed, usually by leaders capable of crafting images that have some meaning to the larger population.” I found this argument very powerful since we tend to categorize ourselves in terms of other people and groups. Many of us place a great emphasis on group identity. This thought is a reflection of Lionel Groulx’s ideology that projected an ethnic form of nationalism on the basis of rural ancestry.

After introducing his chapter, Rudin divides it into three main sections, a) the Paradigm of Difference, b) the Paradigm of Normalcy, and c) the Paradigm of the Citizen.

In Paradigm of Difference the author guides us through the history of the forced union of Upper and Lower Canada as the aftermath of the Rebellions of 1837. He talks about how Garneau depicted people by their language, religion and common ancestry. 

Rudin also presents the role of the state in Quebec via the Quiet Revolution and the overall perception French Canadians had about themselves and how others perceived them. This period of time was crucial in the shape of national identity, since many French-Canadian leaders perceived participation in politics at a federal level to be the key in protecting and defending their people’s interests.

In the second section, The Paradigm of Normalcy, Rudin explains the re-evaluation of the identity of citizens in Québec.  The author details how socio-political events transformed education and industries. During this period the term “Québécois” is used to replace the “French Canadian” term, often associated as “humiliating and demoralizing” (Jocelyn Létorneau).

I found particularly interesting the fact that the word “Québécois” tries to represent a new meaning – pertaining to all residents of the province regardless of their ethnicity or origin. This was particularly significant to me, as I have been living in the province for a relatively short time but have learned to share some common “Québécois” sentiments and values. I feel many people may argue with and differ from this perspective.

Rudin finalizes the chapter by comparing and contrasting the historic perception of the past and the present. One way he does this is by citing Létourneau’s experience as a history teacher and the awareness of his students in regards to national history.

Several aspects of this last section, Paradigm of the Citizen were intriguing to me. The author emphasizes the need to open up the history of French Canada and insert the experiences of other groups that have traditionally been excluded. – I found this to be a relevant and crucial aspect in the perception of identity for those who are not necessarily French-speaking, but do consider themselves to be Québécois.

To conclude, it is true that the history we know of Québec does not necessarily reflect all the groups that have shaped and continue to define “la belle province.” It is essential that all people in Quebec have a sense of their own identity within the community.