ABSTRACT

Dominant approaches to the transformation of Europe ignore contemporary social theory interpretations of the nature and dynamics of social change. Here, Delanty and Rumford argue that we need a theory of society in order to understand Europeanization. This book advances the case that Europeanization should be theorized in terms of:

  • globalization 
  • major social transformations that are not exclusively spear-headed by the EU
  • the wider context of the transformation of modernity.

This fascinating book broadens the terms of the debate on Europeanization, conventionally limited to the supersession of the nation-state by a supra-national authority and the changes within member states consequent upon EU membership.

Demonstrating the relevance of social theory to contemporary issues and with a focus on European transformation rather than simplistic notions of Europe-building, this truly multidisciplinary volume will appeal to readers from a range of social science disciplines, including sociology, geography, political science and European studies.

chapter |27 pages

Theorizing Europeanization

Towards a constructivist theory of society

chapter |22 pages

History, modernity, and the multiple conceptions of Europe

European transformation in historical perspective

chapter |19 pages

Is there a European identity?

European self-understanding beyond unity and diversity

chapter |18 pages

What does it mean to be a ‘European'?

The possibility of cosmopolitan loyalties

chapter |19 pages

The new cultural logic of Europeanization

Citizenship, memory, and public discourse

chapter |14 pages

The European Social Model

From welfare state to learning society and beyond

chapter |17 pages

Organizing European space

Borderlands, ‘undivided Europe' and spatiality beyond territory

chapter |18 pages

The European Union as non-state

The spatialization of EU governance

chapter |13 pages

Towards a European polity?

Europe meets the world

chapter |16 pages

Rethinking European society

The global civil society context

chapter |12 pages

Conclusion

Towards a cosmopolitan Europe