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Public support for the European Union: A reflection of one's individual economic situation?

Eckardt, F. (2015) Public support for the European Union: A reflection of one's individual economic situation?

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Abstract:This study investigates the following research question: To what extent can the citizens’ support for the European Union in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands be explained by the subjective perception of their individual economic situation in 2010? A secondary quantitative data analysis is performed on the basis of a cross-national survey conducted by the European agency Eurobarometer in 2010. With the help of variance analysis, it is observed to what extent the dependent variable can be explained by the independent variable among the six founding countries of the EU: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands in 2010. The analysis showed four main results: [1] Citizens’ level of support for the EU is partially influenced by their subjective perception of their individual economic situation in 2010. [2] European citizens appear to act as rational actors, who base their support for the EU more on economical cost-benefit calculations rather than on emotional attachment. [3] National identity is an important parameter that forms people’s attitude towards the EU. [4] A high percentage of citizens’ support level can be explained by their subjective perception whether their country’s economy gains from its EU membership or not.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:88 social and public administration
Programme:Management Society and Technology BSc (56654)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/67078
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