A Political Sociology of the European Union: Reassessing Constructivism

Hardback

Main Details

Title A Political Sociology of the European Union: Reassessing Constructivism
Authors and Contributors      Edited by Jay Rowell
Edited by Michel Mangenot
SeriesEurope in Change
Physical Properties
Format:Hardback
Pages:288
Dimensions(mm): Height 234,Width 156
ISBN/Barcode 9780719082436
ClassificationsDewey:320.94
Audience
Tertiary Education (US: College)
Professional & Vocational
Illustrations Illustrations, black & white|Tables|Graphs

Publishing Details

Publisher Manchester University Press
Imprint Manchester University Press
Publication Date 18 November 2011
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

The study of the European Union has historically been a theoretical battleground. Since the 1990s, new theoretical directions such as neo-institutionalism, multi-level governance and constructivism have provided a new impetus. However, despite these new inroads, empirical work has often remained sociologically and empirically underspecified. This volume seeks to bridge the gap between theory and fieldwork by developing an actor-centred political sociology. In doing so, the volume engages in a critical dialogue with the constructivist framework and proposes to build on its insights through a sociological hardening centred on European actors. The renewal of European studies through political sociology is only useful if it generates new understandings through empirical observation. This volume seeks to take a new tack on constructivism by asking what it is that Europe constructs by looking at three areas- social spaces and professions, policy 'problems' and policies and policy instruments such as the Eurobarometer. -- .

Author Biography

Jay Rowell is full time researcher in Sociology at the CNRS, University of Strasbourg and Director of the Centre for European Political Sociology (GSPE) Michel Mangenot is Senior Lecturer in Political Science at the University of Strasbourg and Deputy Director of the Centre for European Political Sociology (GSPE)