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The Eurozone Crisis: Psychological Mechanisms Undermining and Supporting European Solidarity

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  • Gerhard Reese

    (Integrative Research Unit on Social and Individual Development (INSIDE), University of Luxemburg, Route de Diekirch, Walferdange 7201, Luxemburg)

  • Oliver Lauenstein

    (Department of Personality Psychology and Psychological Assessment, University of Bamberg, Markusplatz 3, Bamberg 96047, Germany)

Abstract

Europe has become a vivid example of intergroup dynamics with all the risks and chances it holds for peaceful and respectful co-existence. While Europe as a superordinate social category has the capability of solidarity between its subcategories ( i.e. , nations), negative emotions and behaviors among the countries’ citizens have become more prevalent throughout the emerging crisis. This article aims to analyze the psychological outcomes ( i.e. , negative attitudes) following on from the structural and economic imbalances within the European Union. More precisely, we argue that political reactions towards the Euro crisis facilitated routes to nationalism and thereby fostered supremacy in a few countries. This perceived supremacy of some countries, in turn, legitimized negative reactions towards others. Based on predictions from a social identity perspective, we describe how these processes perpetuate themselves. We also suggest strategies that might prevent the idea of a common Europe from failing.

Suggested Citation

  • Gerhard Reese & Oliver Lauenstein, 2014. "The Eurozone Crisis: Psychological Mechanisms Undermining and Supporting European Solidarity," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 3(1), pages 1-12, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:3:y:2014:i:1:p:160-171:d:33851
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Leonie Huddy & Nadia Khatib, 2007. "American Patriotism, National Identity, and Political Involvement," American Journal of Political Science, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 51(1), pages 63-77, January.
    2. Emmanuel Sigalas, 2010. "Cross-border mobility and European identity: The effectiveness of intergroup contact during the ERASMUS year abroad," European Union Politics, , vol. 11(2), pages 241-265, June.
    3. Sarah F. Brosnan & Frans B. M. de Waal, 2003. "Monkeys reject unequal pay," Nature, Nature, vol. 425(6955), pages 297-299, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Gerhard Reese & Julia Dietrich, 2014. "I Am Therefore I Do: Group Identification and Effort for the Achievement Goals," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 3(4), pages 1-7, November.

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