Title: Europe's Contending Identities: Supranationalism, Ethnoregionalism, Religion, and New Nationalism
Abstract: Europe's Contending Identities: Supranationalism, Ethnoregionalism, Religion, and New NationalismEdited by Andrew C. Gould and Anthony M. MessinaCambridge University Press, 2014This edited collection of research papers, presented at an academic conference held in London in 2008, focuses on contemporary demographic changes throughout Europe and the challenges which greater ethnic and racial diversification poses for a more generalized European identity.Migration trends account for the bulk of Europe's demographic changes in population-sixty-two percent according to 2010 survey data from the Pew Center. The relatively low fertility rates in many European nations contribute to the below-replacement levels of native populations and the rapid increase in throughout the continent. In many European countries, migrants are overtaking communities with native-born populations. The majority of these newcomers are refugees and both legal and illegal immigrants from Third World countries.London is a prime example of this widespread diversity. London's population has increased to more than 8.3 million (based on 2012 figures). London's ethnic minority populations have mushroomed over the years. One survey noted that 301.5 languages [are now] spoken and 50 non-indigenous communities with a population of more than 10,000 [currently exist] in London.Most of the contributors to this volume accept, if not explicitly embrace, Europe's widespread cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity. The authors attempt to frame a greater European that diffuses nationalistic affinities and rejects national unity based on kinship and group-based genetic similarities. The diversity these scholars seem to advocate is not between European nations, which would allow each nation to develop and enrich its own unique national character, but diversity within each nation. If this trend persists it will continue to supplant vibrant national identities- organic bonds of common ethnicity, culture, language, and religious faith-with an artificially generic and pluralistic European grounded on multiculturalism and ethnic diversity.The conference appeared to be comprised of scholars who explicitly reject a future European identity based upon traditional kinship ties, a core ethnic heritage, a common language, unified culture, and traditional folkways. Instead, the participating authors favor multiculturalism, and not only envision, but appear to favor, a future European community rooted in abstract political and social principles of equality, human rights, multicultural and inclusion. The problem posed for a future European devoid of the traditional commonalities that enhance the robust ethnicity of its traditional nation-states is the overlooked elephant in the room: Does widespread promote national stability and civic unity - or discord?Consider the observations of Anthony Messina from the introduction,Ethnic super diversity, with its peculiar national historical origins, legacies, and conflicts, potentially constitutes a significant challenge for social cohesion within the EU. Along these lines, it is hardly surprising that whatever people from significantly dissimilar backgrounds inhabit and interact within the same economic, social, and political space, interpersonal and intergroup frictions ensue. …
Publication Year: 2014
Publication Date: 2014-07-01
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 1
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