Support for Europe: Assessing the Complexity of Individual Attitudes

摘要: Recent scholarly work has underlined the importance of being cautious about notion Euro-skepticism by putting stress on alternative concepts and measures. This theoretical empirical contribution enriched debate support for Europe its potential multidimensionality. However, fit between conceptualization measured attitudes is still under-investigated. Do European citizens actually express different types support? To what extent are these structured as we think? paper investigates dimensions that individuals associate with “support Europe” whether it varies across national context. We test validity three conceptualizations Europe: (a) diffuse versus specific support, (b) identity (c) static dynamic perception Union. investigate patterns, relied survey data from Eurobarometer. Methodologically, use item-response theory modelling. demonstrates towards but in a less fine-grained manner than hypothesized literature. The distinction robust at scale well within each Consequently, provide an tool to comparatively measure all member states. However not case other especially identity, advocate caution using this variable explanatory variable.