18 Questions
When did the European Union's cultural education competences begin?
In 1949
What is a paradox in the European Union's identity construction?
The fast reconciliation and unification of Europe after World War 2, but a low degree of identification to Europe among citizens
What is a collective identity based on?
Large and potentially important group differences
What is the Council of the European Union composed of?
The ministers when they meet in their respective policy fields
Why is reflecting on the construction of European Identity important?
To explore the paradox of European integration and identity
What is social identity based on?
Interaction processes in which persons identify others and are identified by them
What is the main challenge in the symbolic construction of the European Union concept?
Encompassing countries with different histories without 'othering' devices
When was the concept of intercultural dialogue introduced in EU policies?
Late 90's, 2000's
What is the main assumption of the intercultural dialogue concept?
That certain populations are radically different from the major European identity
What is the result of the clashing of member states over migration issues?
The development of a restrictive migration policy
What is the social construction of migration in the EU context?
A security question
What is the main goal of the EU's intercultural dialogue policies?
To engage in dialogue with discriminated populations
What was the primary motivation behind Germany's support for the European integration project?
Desire to assuage the fears of other Europeans in light of the Holocaust and World War II
What was a major factor contributing to low levels of British support for European integration?
Strong British nationalism and the concept of the 'island effect'
Why did the Constitutional treaty get rejected in France?
Because of the far-left's criticism of European integration
What was a primary reason for Italy's support for the European integration project?
To re-integrate into the international arena after the Fascist era
What was the irony in the German approach to the EU, according to Diez Medrano (2010)?
Germany's support for the EU was rooted in its desire to assuage the fears of other Europeans
What was the UKIP's primary message during the Brexit campaign?
Anti-elites and anti-migrants
Study Notes
Post-Colonial Agreements and European Integration
- France has agreements with post-colonial countries.
- Germany organized the arrival of many Turkish workers recently.
European Enlargement and Diversity
- The enlargement of Europe is an opportunity to increase diversity, with 10 more countries bringing their different histories.
- Some countries have spatial ties with Ottoman history and heritage, making it a challenge to encompass them in a "European" narrative without "othering" devices.
Concept of Intercultural Dialogue
- The EU developed policies for the respect of Roma citizens, who have been subjected to racist stereotyping.
- Intercultural dialogue was introduced in EU policies in the late 1990s and 2000s as a reaction to increased diversity.
- This dialogue targets discriminated populations that are excluded from many discourses, assuming they are radically different from the major European identity.
Migration and "Othering" Strategies
- The migration crisis in 2015 led to a failure for European countries, resulting in the development of a restrictive migration policy.
- Social construction of migration into a security question started in 1949, with the Council of the European Union playing a key role.
European Identity
- Despite the incredibly fast reconciliation and unification of Europe after WW2, there is a low degree of identification to Europe among citizens.
- European institutions constantly refer to European identity and culture, but it is unclear what European culture is.
- Definition of identity:
- Personal identity: stable characteristics that make a person unique.
- Social identity: interaction processes of identification with others.
- Collective identities: social identities based on large group differences (e.g., gender, social class, age, ethnicity, national belonging).
National Attitudes towards European Integration
- France: Gaullist policy of prestige and international independence, promoting national integration.
- Germany: supportive of European integration to alleviate fears of other Europeans due to the Holocaust and World War II.
- UK: low levels of support due to emotional attachment to the Empire and differentiation from colonized subject populations.
- Italy: EU membership as a way to re-integrate into the international arena after the Fascist era.
Explore the history and development of the European identity, from its early beginnings to the present day. Learn about the role of intergovernmental organizations, private institutional actors, and policy entrepreneurs in shaping European culture and identity.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
