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Unequal perspectives? Income inequality as a benchmark for support for European integration

Author

Listed:
  • Bjarn Eck

    (CEVIPOL, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium)

  • Sven Schreurs

    (Department of Political and Social Sciences, 10185European University Institute, San Domenico di Fiesole, Italy)

Abstract

Despite growing attention to income inequality in debates about European integration, our understanding of its effect on European Union support remains limited. Using European Social Survey data from 2002 to 2020, we analyse how income inequality and pro-redistribution attitudes shape diffuse and specific forms of support for the European Union. We find no direct effect of country-level income inequality, while individual support for redistribution has a negative effect on both. In line with benchmarking theory, inequality emerges as a contextual moderator: in unequal national settings, egalitarian citizens are comparatively more supportive of further integration than in more equal countries. This effect persists when we control for income position, suggesting an ideological rather than utilitarian basis for benchmarking European Union attitudes. We discuss implications in light of debates about a social Europe.

Suggested Citation

  • Bjarn Eck & Sven Schreurs, 2024. "Unequal perspectives? Income inequality as a benchmark for support for European integration," European Union Politics, , vol. 25(2), pages 245-268, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:eeupol:v:25:y:2024:i:2:p:245-268
    DOI: 10.1177/14651165231226054
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jaewook Lee, 2026. "Pushed by markets, pulled by machines: Economic pressures and the backlash to the European Union," European Union Politics, , vol. 27(1), pages 3-31, March.

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