|
Abstract:
How does EU research define the basic elements of the political realm? What are the underlying construction presuppositions of the European Union as an object of knowledge? In this article, I will discuss the political ontology of the European Union through an analysis of two ideal-typical positions, an exclusive and an inclusive (or reflexive) ontological framework. I will argue that the exclusive ontological framework and the dualisms it reproduces (objective-subjective, individual-institution, socialization-calculation, interest-norm, supranational-national and so on) prevents a great deal of research from elaborating a more complex, 'thick' empirical description of EU integration. The alternative, inclusive and reflexive framework seeks to go beyond these dualisms to develop a relational approach that takes into account the interactive character of institutions and the individuals and groups inhabiting them.
This article is part of a special issue 'Mainstreaming sociology in EU studies'.
|
