Formation of European identity: ethnic minority groups in Central and Eastern Europe in generational perspective

Abstract

Research into European identity has mostly focused on majority populations in Western European countries, neglecting new member states in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) as well as ethnic minority groups. This paper contributes to filling this gap by exploring and investigating processes of European identity formation of five ethnic minority groups in four CEE countries. A generational perspective was applied by conducting qualitative in-depth interviews with three generations of ethnic minority group members. The results support the instrumental approach of identity construction. In all minority groups researched, the young generation, due to more positive personal experiences and perceived benefits from the European Union, have developed more positive images and perceptions of Europe and a greater sense of European identity than older generations. Furthermore, ethnic group-specific processes of identity formation were found.

Keywords:

• ethnic minority
• European identity
• Central and Eastern Europe
• identity formation
• generations
• young people

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1. Based on empirical evidence from multilevel analyses on Eurobarometer data, early utilitarian research has claimed that perceived economic benefits lead to support European integration (Gabel and Palmer 1995). Recent research shows that perceived economic benefits (for the country and the own household) also positively influence European identity building (Verhaegen, Hooghe, and Quintelier 2014).

2. ‘Generation’ is used similarly to Mannheim (1928). For this paper, it is defined as age cohorts who have experienced the same political regimes.

3. See Note 2.

4. The specific target group – members of ethnic minority groups in certain regions – required a flexible approach regarding the guidelines for the qualitative sample. The national partners were given strict guidelines for the qualitative sample, but due to low ‘ethnic density’ in certain regions which led to difficulties finding eligible respondents within the given time frame, some partners were allowed exceptions. However, there is at least a gap of 5 years between members from different ‘generations’.

5. Ethnic minority abbreviations: Hungarians in Slovakia, hu(SK); Slovaks in Hungary, sk(HU); Belarusians in Poland, by(PL); Ukrainians in Poland, ua(PL); Russians in Latvia, ru(LV).

6. Because the Slovakian minority sample in Hungary does not strictly follow the empirical design (only one older generation respondent), the analysis only compares the young and middle generations.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Natalia Waechter

NATALIA WAECHTER is Professor in the Department of Educational Science, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.