Towards a ("thick", "thin", or "parallel") European society? Understanding the dynamics of European multiplicity. Issue 1 (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Buhari-Gulmez, Didem; Rumford, Chris
• Is Part Of: Innovation. Volume 29:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 41
• Page End: 55
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: Europe -- integration -- social theory -- multiplicity -- world society; Social sciences -- Periodicals; 300.5
• DOI: 10.1080/13511610.2015.1055457
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1351-1610

Abstract

Abstract : In order to deal with the question of European society, it is useful to introduce a social-theoretical perspective that investigates the dynamics of multiplicity underlying European transformations. There are at least three co-existing routes to Europe-making that often clash with each other: "thick", "thin", and "parallel" Europe-making. These are in tune with definitions of Europe as an "exclusive civilizational entity", as a "problem-solving instrument", and as representing world society, respectively. Based on a notion of European multiplicity, this study argues that contemporary European society cannot to be reduced to a particular dynamic or to a set of actors, norms, and institutions because it paradoxically incorporates at the same time "thick", "thin", and "parallel" Europe-making.