Max Haller's impressive book presents an analysis of the process of European integration which keeps the relation between elites and citizens at the forefront. It is shown on the basis of new empirical data (surveys, interviews, analyses of documents and biographies) that European integration has been led since the beginning by the elites and that today there exists a considerable split between elites and citizens; this split is becoming more profound in the course of time. The book covers the following themes: - the structure, interests and behaviour of the different elites (political, economic, bureaucratic) - the expectations and perceptions of the populations concerning the integration process and the elites - the strategies of the elites to win the consent of the people, in view of widespread scepticism - proposals for reform of the EU, especially with regard to a strengthening of democratic elements which could reduce the split between elites and citizens. A timely and original read, this book will be a useful addition to the library of any political sociologist, political scientist or scholar of European integration.

The social sciences rely more on the comparative method than on experimental data mainly because the latter is difficult to acquire amongst human populations. The International Social Survey Programme has played a pioneering role in creating and sustaining methodologically-sophisticated mass attitude surveys across the globe. Starting in 1984 with five nations, it now encompasses forty-five nations spread over five continents, each administering an identical annual survey to a random sample of their population. Analyses of the data or descriptions of the methodology already appear in over 3,000 publications. This book contains new contributions from three dozen eminent scholars who analyse and compare the perceptions and attitudes of citizens across all five continents, nations and over time. Subjects range from inequality and the role of the state; ethnic, national and global identities; the changing relevance of religion, beliefs and practices; gender roles, family values and work orientations; household and society. Some chapters focus on methodological issues; others focus on substantive findings. This book sets new standards for cross-cultural research.

Max Haller's impressive book presents an analysis of the process of European integration which keeps the relation between elites and citizens at the forefront. It is shown on the basis of new empirical data (surveys, interviews, analyses of documents and biographies) that European integration has been led since the beginning by the elites and that today there exists a considerable split between elites and citizens; this split is becoming more profound in the course of time. The book covers the following themes: - the structure, interests and behaviour of the different elites (political, economic, bureaucratic) - the expectations and perceptions of the populations concerning the integration process and the elites - the strategies of the elites to win the consent of the people, in view of widespread scepticism - proposals for reform of the EU, especially with regard to a strengthening of democratic elements which could reduce the split between elites and citizens. A timely and original read, this book will be a useful addition to the library of any political sociologist, political scientist or scholar of European integration.

The social sciences rely more on the comparative method than on experimental data mainly because the latter is difficult to acquire amongst human populations. The International Social Survey Programme has played a pioneering role in creating and sustaining methodologically-sophisticated mass attitude surveys across the globe. Starting in 1984 with five nations, it now encompasses forty-five nations spread over five continents, each administering an identical annual survey to a random sample of their population. Analyses of the data or descriptions of the methodology already appear in over 3,000 publications. This book contains new contributions from three dozen eminent scholars who analyse and compare the perceptions and attitudes of citizens across all five continents, nations and over time. Subjects range from inequality and the role of the state; ethnic, national and global identities; the changing relevance of religion, beliefs and practices; gender roles, family values and work orientations; household and society. Some chapters focus on methodological issues; others focus on substantive findings. This book sets new standards for cross-cultural research.

The modern world is characterised by pervasive economic inequalities. Strong economic growth in some developing countries has contributed to a degree to a reduction in the levels of inequality between nations, yet inequality within nations remains high and in some cases, continues to increase. Ethnic Stratification and Economic Inequality around the World investigates the reasons for these striking differences, exploring the coincidence and interaction between economic stratification and ethnic differentiation. Drawing on extensive international survey and statistical data, the author develops a new theory and concrete hypotheses concerning the conditions which lead toward extreme inequality and those which tend toward greater equality. A systematic examination of the interaction between class structures, social stratification and ethnic differentiation, this book sheds light on the manner in which the resulting social structures produce different levels of economic inequality, offering a fivefold typology of patterns of ethnic stratification, which can be applied to present-day world regions. Drawing on the work of Max Weber to provide a rigorous investigation of inequality around the world, it demonstrates what 'sociology as a science of social reality' can significantly contribute to our understanding of global economic stratification. The book is relevant for a wide social-scientific audience, particularly for sociologists, economists and political scientists working in a comparative perspective.

The modern world is characterised by pervasive economic inequalities. Strong economic growth in some developing countries has contributed to a degree to a reduction in the levels of inequality between nations, yet inequality within nations remains high and in some cases, continues to increase. Ethnic Stratification and Economic Inequality around the World investigates the reasons for these striking differences, exploring the coincidence and interaction between economic stratification and ethnic differentiation. Drawing on extensive international survey and statistical data, the author develops a new theory and concrete hypotheses concerning the conditions which lead toward extreme inequality and those which tend toward greater equality. A systematic examination of the interaction between class structures, social stratification and ethnic differentiation, this book sheds light on the manner in which the resulting social structures produce different levels of economic inequality, offering a fivefold typology of patterns of ethnic stratification, which can be applied to present-day world regions. Drawing on the work of Max Weber to provide a rigorous investigation of inequality around the world, it demonstrates what 'sociology as a science of social reality' can significantly contribute to our understanding of global economic stratification. The book is relevant for a wide social-scientific audience, particularly for sociologists, economists and political scientists working in a comparative perspective.

Outstanding social scientists (economists, sociologists, political scientists, and policy researchers) discuss in this book the issue of the social aspects of European integration. For each field, they sketch out the main problems, provide a survey on the relevant literature, and point to areas wherein more research is needed. The science and research policy of the European Union is examined critically both in terms of relevant social issues and in terms of its organizational efficacy.

Outstanding social scientists (economists, sociologists, political scientists, and policy researchers) discuss in this book the issue of the social aspects of European integration. For each field, they sketch out the main problems, provide a survey on the relevant literature, and point to areas wherein more research is needed. The science and research policy of the European Union is examined critically both in terms of relevant social issues and in terms of its organizational efficacy.

"Werte" sind ein beliebtes Thema von politischen Sonntagsreden und sie dienen politischen Institutionen und ihren Vertretern immer wieder dazu, sich nach aussen gut darzustellen und problematische Aktionen (wie Kriege) zu legitimieren. Die Reaktion der Sozialwissenschaften ist vielfaches Naserumpfen und kritische Distanz zu Wertedebatten. Dieser Band geht dagegen aus von der Weberschen These, dass Ideen und Werte historisch ebenso starke Krafte sein koennen wie oekonomische Interessen und politisches Machtstreben. Im Gegensatz zu umfangreichen sozial- und rechtsphilosophischen Werken, die sich vielfach in einer Endlosschleife ohne definitive Loesungen verheddern, wird in diesem Band jedoch argumentiert, dass die Thematisierung und Durchsetzung von gesellschaftlichen Grundwerten nur als Resultat der Auseinandersetzungen zwischen kritischen neuen Ideen, sozialen Bewegungen und Kampfen, die von der Bevoelkerung unterstutzt werden, und politischen Reformen und Innovationen verstanden werden kann. Es zeigt sich, dass man in langfristiger historischer Perspektive tatsachlich von einer zunehmenden Durchsetzung der (neun) gesellschaftlichen Grundwerte ausgehen kann. Diese verlauft allerdings keineswegs bruchlos und linear, sondern ist durch vielfache zeitliche Verwerfungen, Verzoegerungen und Ruckschritte gekennzeichnet. Dieser Band markiert einen entscheidenden theoretischen Durchbruch in einer vielumstrittenen und bislang vielfach inkonklusiven Debatte. Er ist dazu auch deshalb in der Lage, weil er auf einem stringenten theoretischen Ansatz aufbaut, welcher der empirischen Werteforschung vielfach fehlt. Dabei bezieht er einen breiten Fundus an Literatur aus allen einschlagigen Geistes- und Sozialwissenschaften ein, von Theologie, Philosophie und Rechtswissenschaften uber OEkonomie und Soziologie bis hin zur Psychologie.

The enlargement of the European Union has had an enormous impact on migration within Europe. This book addresses the form of these effects, outlining the social, political and economic problems created by the free movement of people within the European Union. The eminent European contributors to this book explore the ways in which nation states and the EU seek to promote the benefits of migration but at the same time counter threats arising from dislocation. The advantages and costs of migration are considered, as is the crucial problem of who gains and loses from migration. Underpinning the analysis are studies on retirement migrants in Turkey and migrant workers in countries including Austria, Finland, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and the UK, which highlight the impact of immigration in the host states, the motivation for migration within the EU as well as the issues of societal integration of migrants and the need for control as a consequence of growing levels of migration. This timely and relevant study will strongly appeal to scholars and researchers in a wide range of fields including European studies, migration studies, social policy, human geography, international relations and sociology.

Schon lange ist evident, dass die europaische Integration vor allem von den Eliten vorangetrieben wird. Dies ist die erste Untersuchung, die diesen Sachverhalt umfassend dokumentiert und erklart. Anhand von Daten uber europaische Wahlen und Volksabstimmungen, reprasentativen Surveys, Interviews, Dokumenten und Biografien werden u.a. gezeigt:
- die Charakteristika und Entwicklung, Interessen und Privlegien der politischen und okonomischen Eliten sowie der neuen Eurokratie in Brussel;
- die Erwartungen und Wahrnehmungen der Burger und der in vielen Teilen der EU weitverbreitete Skeptizismus;
- die Strategien der Eliten, die Zustimmung der Burger zu gewinnen.
Zuletzt werden die historisch-intellektuellen Ideen von Europa mit der Realitat der Integration seit 1945 konfrontiert und Vorschlage zur Starkung der sozialpolitischen und demokratischen Komponenten der EU entwickelt."

Die Studie basiert auf dem dritten "Sozialen Survey," einer sozialwissenschaftlichen Reprasentativerhebung, und vergleicht Daten uber einen Zeitraum von zwei Jahrzehnten (1986, 1993, 2003); sie entwirft ein umfassendes Bild des neueren sozialen Wandels der osterreichischen Gesellschaft.