Economic Dependencies and Nationalist Divergences: Public Versus Private Sector Employment and Beyond in Corsican Separatist Nationalism

ABSTRACT Separatist nationalism often persists in divided minority regions where internal factions struggle to agree on governance models, perpetuating conflict and political tension. This article examines the key structural and situational factors driving these divisions in Corsica, focusing on economic dependencies that shape divergent approaches to autonomy and independence. Drawing on original survey data, open‐ended questions and participant observation, this study reveals that while factors such as income level and cultural perceptions show no statistically significant impact on political preferences, different forms of economic dependency—particularly distinctions between public and private sector employment, unemployment, studentship, and retirement—play a decisive role. Private sector employees are 45% more likely to support independence and 66% more likely to support autonomy than public sector workers, retirees and others reliant on state‐funded welfare systems, who express greater apprehension towards political decentralisation. The findings highlight how economic dependency—whether through employment, welfare benefits or state infrastructure—intersects with cultural identity to shape separatist attitudes. By focusing on patterns of economic reliance rather than solely on ethno‐cultural explanations, income disparities or social class, this article sheds new light on the complex interplay between economic structures, cultural aspirations and political behaviour in underdeveloped regions. It offers fresh insights into separatist movements in economically fragile contexts.