Governing European diversity

Book abstract:

This is one of three books that form the core of the Open University course 'Governing Europe'. Each book is designed to work as an independent text and as part of a complementary series for use by undergraduates. This text offers a comprehensive overview of both tradition and transformation in the social and cultural relationships at the heart of the political and socio-economic landscape in Europe today.

In this book the study of what is 'new' and what is 'different' about European society and culture is approached from four different perspectives. First, there is the study of diversity versus unity. Second, there is the study of the emerging European culture as a system of shared meanings. Third, there is the study of processes of governance and fourth, the study of identity through an analysis of emerging inclusion and exclusion mechanisms and an examination of the tensions arising from a confrontation between tradition and transformation in European cultural and social life. In conclusion, the authors consider whether diversity is likely to be maintained in a greatly integrated Europe or whether the EU will contribute to the homogenisation of European peoples.

The chapters are: Introduction: unity and diversity in Europe; The rise of regions and regionalism in Western Europe; Migrants, refugees and citizenship; Social movements in Europe: the rise of environmental governance; The transformation of family life and sexual politics; What unites Europeans?; The media in Europe; Drugs and European governance; Conclusion: one Europe? The democratic governance of a continent.

This book would be of interest to students of the EU and European integration across politics and international studies, sociology, social policy, geography, economics, and European Studies.

Montserrat Guibernau is Senior Lecturer in Government and Politics at the Open University.