Published: 2017-06-301

THE VOICES OF YOUTH ON EUROPEAN IDENTITY, MEMBERSHIP AND VALUES FROM AN ASPIRING COUNTRY

Nikolina Kenig , Ognen Spasovski
Civitas et Lex
Section: Psychology
https://doi.org/10.31648/cetl.2459

Abstract

This research is trying to explore the perceptions and beliefs of young ethnic Macedonians
regarding the EU, European and ethnic/national identity situated in an ambivalent societal context
– an exposure to pro-European educational goals, together with the recently emerging reluctance
towards joining the Union.
72 students with different study backgrounds at the age between 19 and 22 participated in
the study. In 10 focus groups, formed on the basis of homogeneity of the field of study, they were
discussing their views on the EU concept and their reflections on the congruities and incongruities
between their national identity and the EU identity.
Results show that respondents tend to idealize the concept of EU and are willing to accept
European citizenship. On the other hand, some are skeptical and question the possibility
of developing European identity and citizenship because they perceive a serious gap between
the European values and the values that are dominant in the current public and political discourse.

Keywords:

European values, European identity, qualitative analysis

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Citation rules

Kenig, N., & Spasovski, O. (2017). THE VOICES OF YOUTH ON EUROPEAN IDENTITY, MEMBERSHIP AND VALUES FROM AN ASPIRING COUNTRY. Civitas Et Lex, 14(2), 16–24. https://doi.org/10.31648/cetl.2459

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