Italians only eat pasta; all Swedish girls look gorgeous and the Germans only listen to folk
music. These stereotypes do not specify whole nations but still paint pictures people can
identify with. “The European” picture does not exist yet – neither on a culinary, nor on an
aesthetic or musical basis. To get on with the European idea, a European Identity is inevitable.
Without it, integration will never work to a satisfying extent and Europe cannot become the
much-quoted “ever closer Union”. Only with a common identity will people be willing to
stand up for each other and only with such an identity will the European Parliament and the
Commission be fully legitimised. The first step into that direction is the creation of a
European Consciousness, the idea to make people think of Europe as much as they think of
their respective nationality. This essay will therefore analyse the concept of a European
Identity and then break it down to the first steps to be taken – the idea of a European
Consciousness.
Chapter 2 will first define the term of identity and then sketch the specific problems that arise
in Europe where so many different identities are already established. It then draws up the
image of a possible long-term identity for the citizens of the Union’s member states. Chapter
3 examines the process of setting this identity up, taking a closer look at several different
agents that could help to speed up the process. Finally the conclusion summarizes the chances
for a European Consciousness leading to a legitimising identity.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. A European Identity
2.1 The term of identity
2.2 Specific problems for a collective identity in Europe
2.3 The model of a European Identity
3. The creation of a European Identity
3.1 Politics
3.2 Institutions
3.3 Schools
3.4 Media
4. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Key Topics
This essay explores the feasibility of establishing a European consciousness to foster a cohesive European identity, arguing that such an identity is essential for the legitimacy and integration of the European Union. It examines the theoretical foundations of identity, the challenges posed by existing national identities, and the practical role of various societal agents in facilitating this process.
- The theoretical definition and construction of collective identity.
- Barriers to European integration, including cultural lags and national traditions.
- The concept of multi-level governance and legitimization.
- The influence of politics, institutions, schools, and media on European consciousness.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1 The term of Identity
The term identity refers to labels we give ourselves. The culture we are brought up in, socialisation in our family and surroundings are factors that create our personality and make us identify with certain patterns of behaviour. Every individual has a self-defining picture that tells us who and what we are. Our personal identity is a mixture of the music we listen to, the view of the world we have, the political party we support and many more factors. While every individual has its own personality, there are also the so-called collective identities that define our belonging – or at least the feeling of belonging – to certain groups of people. Collective identity makes the individual feel belonging to a family, a social class, a nation or even a whole civilization. Schlesinger defines three major features of identity:
1) Inclusion and exclusion. While we see ourselves as being similar to people of the same generation, nation or social class, we also need to set clear frontiers to those who do not belong to these groups. “To be ‘us’, we need those who are ‘not us’.”
2) Creating traditions. Factors like manners, eating habits and especially common memories make us feel comfortable around people of our kind. Schlesinger sees the creation of ‘the other’ in those created traditions as well: “The dark side of memory is amnesia; to shed light is also to throw shadows.” Cultural groups that do not share these common memories tend to be seen as ‘the enemy’.
3) A spatial referent. Every group we feel belonging to has some kind of territory. Nations therefore need frontiers to form an identity.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the necessity of a European identity for the success of the "ever closer Union" and introduces the research focus on creating a European consciousness.
2. A European Identity: Analyzes the theoretical nature of identity, defines the specific challenges to collective identity in Europe, and proposes a model based on unity in diversity.
3. The creation of a European Identity: Investigates the practical mechanisms and social agents, such as political structures, institutions, educational systems, and media, that can facilitate the development of a European identity.
4. Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings, affirming that while a European consciousness is achievable, it is a long-term process that complements rather than replaces national identities.
Keywords
European Identity, European Consciousness, Integration, Collective Identity, European Union, Legitimacy, Multi-level Governance, Constructivism, Cultural Lag, Nationalism, Political Community, Citizenship, Socialization, European Integration, Identity Construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this research?
The research explores whether a European consciousness can be actively cultivated to support a unified European identity, which is deemed necessary for the functioning and legitimacy of the European Union.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The work covers identity theory, the psychological and sociological barriers to supranational integration, the role of political institutions, and the influence of cultural agents like media and education.
What is the core objective or research question?
The primary objective is to determine if a European identity can be created to bridge the gap between diverse national populations and foster a shared sense of community within the EU.
Which scientific method is utilized in this study?
The study employs a constructivist analysis, drawing on sociopolitical theory and existing scholarship to evaluate the potential for creating a synthesis of congruent perceptions among European citizens.
What topics are discussed in the main body of the work?
The main body examines the definition of identity, the specific difficulties of uniting diverse European states, and the roles of politics, institutions, schools, and media in fostering European identity.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The core keywords include European Identity, Integration, Collective Identity, European Union, Legitimacy, and Identity Construction.
How does the author view the conflict between national and European identities?
The author argues that a European identity is not intended to replace national identities but rather to exist alongside them, forming a multifaceted, concentric identity structure.
What role do "European myths" play in the author's argument?
The author suggests that historical multi-cultural entities, such as the Holy Roman Empire, could serve as building materials for new, all-European myths that help solidify a collective identity.
- Quote paper
- Birte Müller-Heidelberg (Author), 2003, Can a European consciousness be created?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/19650
