The Distinguishing Function of European Identity: Attitudes Towards and Visions of Europe and the European Union among Young Scottish Adults

Abstract

This paper brings Bourdieu's trilogy of theoretical concepts habitus, capital and field to bear on the concept of European identity. By employing a framework analysis of secondary qualitative data in the form of in-depth interviews undertaken with young Scottish adults, it is hypothesised that individuals with knowledge or experience of Europe and European culture are more likely to positively identify with Europe and the European Union than those with either little or no knowledge or experience at all. The results support the hypothesis and the argument is advanced that social groups who stand little or nothing to gain from identifying with Europe are indeed highly unlikely to do so. The author offers specific suggestions for future research.

Key Words:

• Europe
• Bourdieu
• young people
• Scotland
• interviews

Notes

A strong familiarity with the data set prior to analysis comprises an important part of Framework analysis (Ritchie & Lewis, 2003, p. 221).

This argument is specific to Britain simply because the history of the appropriation of European culture on behalf of elite social groups differs depending on the nation in question.