Eurobarometer qualitative study on the Europeans, culture and cultural values

In 2006, the European Commission (Directorate General Education and Culture) commissioned a qualitative Eurobarometer study to learn more about the perceptions Europeans have on culture and its contribution to developing a sense of community and belonging to a shared European area. The survey was carried out in the current 27 Member States of the EU. It was based on the methodology of group discussions. It means that in each country, two groups, including about 25 participants aged between 20 and 55, were asked about their perceptions on aspects linked with 'culture' and 'European culture'.

One group of higher-middle social and educational level: socio-professional categories of business owners, liberal professions and top managers and middle-level managers; mostly university level of education. One group of lower-middle social and educational level: socio-professional categories of self-employed craftsmen and small shop owners, lower-level managers, (non managerial) office employees and manual workers; mostly secondary level of education.

The objectives of the study were in particular to analyze :

- The meaning or meanings, for the Europeans, of the notion of culture in a wide sense of the term – not limited to classical culture and fine arts – and the importance of culture in their life.

- Their perceptions of European culture and its components that make it specific and different from other cultures.

- The link between culture and values shared by the Europeans.

- The interest for the European cultural diversity and for the cultures of other Europeans.

- The perceived and the expected role of Europe in the domain of culture.