Why Do We Feel European? Social Mechanisms of European Identity

This article examines variables from social sciences influencing European identity in Western Europe. The study shows that several social variables can be used to predict the level of European identity, which can lead to a stronger European integration of citizens. Eurobarometer data from European U...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Geetha GARIB
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: University of Oradea, Research Centre on Identity and Migration Studies-RCIMI 2011-11-01
Series:Journal of Identity and Migration Studies
Subjects:
Online Access:http://e-migration.ro/jims/Vol5_No2_2011/Articles/JIMS_Vol5_No2_2011_pp_108_124_GARIB.pdf
Description
Summary:This article examines variables from social sciences influencing European identity in Western Europe. The study shows that several social variables can be used to predict the level of European identity, which can lead to a stronger European integration of citizens. Eurobarometer data from European Union countries show that specific social variables have a higher relevance for predicting European identity. In particular, the perceived importance of the EU, European pride and whether the EU is perceived as a good or a bad thing are used to predict one’s European identity. Also, over time, there is a change in the social variables which are salient for determining one’s European identity. European pride has become a stronger determinant of European identity compared to the perceived importance of the EU.
ISSN:1843-5610