The German‘s view on Europe - Viadrina European University · 4. European distinctivness. 1....

The German‘s view on Europe

Kaelble, Hartmut (2005): Eine EuropäischeGesellschaft? In: Gunnar Folke Schuppert /Ingolf Pernice / Ulrich Haltern (Hrsg.):Europawisseschaft. Baden-Baden: Nomos:299-330.Beichelt, Timm (2009): Deutschland undEuropa. Die Europäisierung des politischenSystems. Wiesbaden: VS Verlag: Kap. 4.

Europa-Universität Viadrina WS 08/09 : Germany in Europe - the Europeanisation of German Politics / Prof. Dr. Timm Beichelt

Presentation: Tiago A. Brandt

Text Kaelble: ◦ Three approaches to the European societyText Beichelt: ◦ Empirical finidingsDiscussion





1. The search for a European society◦ 5 Dimensions

Internal tendenciesExternal differentiation

2. The societal dimensions of European integration◦ 5 topics

3. European society and globalisation◦ 2 perspectives



1. The search for a European society2. The societal dimensions of European integration3. European society and globalisation



„To search for a European society is to search for the existence of a reasonably consistent, seizable, assured Europe that is more than a geographic appellation.“



Search for a European identity5 Dimensions◦ Internal tendencies

1. European convergence2. European interdependences3. Geographical experience of Europe

◦ External differentiation4. European distinctivness5. Self-image / Debate on European Union



1. European convergence = the attenuation of differences between the European countries.3 fundamental processes of transformation◦ Industrialisation and modernisation in 19th and

early 20th century◦ World War I and II◦ East-west division of Europe

Causes for attenuation of societal differences◦ Political coalescence ◦ EU



2. European interdependences• Exchange of consumer goods

• Schooling / professional education in other

European countries

• Vocational migration

• Travelling

• Marriages

• Cultural linkages



2. European interdependences6 reasons for the european distinctivness:1. Internationalisation of european economy

2. Increase of real income

3. Change in schooling and vocational education

4. Transportation and comunnication revolution

5. Implementation of democracy and peace

6. EU as intensifier



3. Geographical experience of EuropeSince 1950s and 1960s international experience became „Europeanised“ and normalEducation abroad, business trips, tourism, marriages„The experience of other European countries became normality of everyday life concerning edcucation, profession and vacations. It became an integral part of european standard of living and mode of life.“



4. European distinctivness1. European social state

2. Attitude towards religion and church

3. Attitude towards violence (private/state/war)

4. Structure of and attitude towards occupation

5. European social environment (social milieus)

6. Transnational orientation (comparison and

conflicts with other nations/countries)



5. Self-image / Debate on European UnionFour aspects of the debate are important for the development of a European society:

1. Shared / adjunctive ideas of Europe, though different political systems

2. Early debates not prehistory or roots of contemporary Europe

3. Debates on European self-understanding not continuous (waves)

4. Change of debate: from „crisis discourse“ to European Public Sphere






„To analyse the European society means toscrutinise the role of social dimensions inEuropean decision-making. That is toinvestigate if the analysis of European societyprovides an enhanced and thus betterexplanation for the development of theEuropean Union.“



5 major societal topics relevant concerning the analysis of Europe as a centre of power:

1. European Public Sphere

2. European civil society

3. European citizenship

4. European Identity (polical / cultural)

5. European Elite






„To scrutinise a European society signifies [...]on the one hand to observe its growinginterdependences and dependencies on globalissues and on the other hand to trace Europe‘sglobal role.



Two perspectives:1. Europe in global comparison◦ Rise and decline in the last century◦ European society compared to other societies

2. Europe in global interdependencies◦ Europe as object and victim of globalisation◦ Europe as actor and thus jointly responsible for

globalisation





Attitudes towards Europe: Europe and German identity◦ (Actor centric / sociological approach)

Support of EU-Membership◦ (Three theoretical approaches

1. Utilitarian perspective

2. Group psychological findings

3. National parameter of explanation )

Europa-Universität Viadrina WS 08/09 : Germany in Europe - theEuropeanisation of German Politics / Prof. Dr. Timm Beichelt












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