The Political Attitudes of Divided European Citizens: Public Opinion and Social Inequalities in Comparative and Relational Perspective

This book explores the impact of European integration on the political thinking of European citizens, highlighting the interrelation between social and political divisions. It demonstrates that an integrated Europe promotes consensus but also propagates growing dissent, with objective inequalities and the subjective perception of these inequalities fueling political dissent. The social structure of European social space plays a significant role in conditioning political attitudes and preferences, particularly in relation to unequal living conditions between European countries.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the profound influence of the European integration process on the political mindset of European citizens. By closely examining the interplay between social and political divisions, it reveals that an integrated Europe fosters consensus while simultaneously generating growing dissent among its populace. This dissent is fueled by both objective inequalities and the subjective perception of these inequalities, leading to political discontent. Drawing upon original data sets developed from two EU-funded projects conducted across eight and nine European countries, the volume underscores the crucial role played by the social structure of European social space in shaping political attitudes and preferences. Specifically, it demonstrates that Europeans exhibit a high sensitivity to unequal living conditions between European countries, thereby impacting their political support for national politics and the European Union. As such, this book holds significant appeal to scholars of sociology and politics with interests in Europe, the European Union, European integration, and political sociology.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367495688