The accelerated individualization brings immense promises for innovations in technological development, for improvement of the economic and political organization and for creativity in the cultural life of European societies. The expected changes will most probably liberate individuals from constraints in their personal development and realization. Simultaneously, individualization brings about new complexities, uncertainties and controversies. The current conditions, manifestations, effects and prospects of the global trend of individualization are analyzed in the contexts of employment and governance in Europe.
COBISS.SI-ID: 1024621889
The article attempts to demonstrate the challenges for the development of European identity, which are also related to the erosion of spiritual capital on which Europe was initially built. Using a hierarchical two-level, non-linear regression analysis the authors confirm the relevance of being included in transnational social fields at the individual level and demonstrate that the national context (particularly in terms of human development) does play a certain role in identifying oneself as European.
COBISS.SI-ID: 1024634689
In the article, the authors analyse issues related to political participation from the perspective of sociological theory. The key argument is based on a theoretical framework distinguishing clearly between power and influence. Based on our classification of the forms of political participation, they examine a set of quantitative indicators using a hierarchical cluster analysis in order to explore differences and similarities among EU members as regards the use of power or influence-based forms of political participation.
COBISS.SI-ID: 1024649537
In this paper, the authors argue that strategic steering is essentially a discursive practice influenced by both semiotic and extra-semiotic factors. Hence, success or failure of a strategy essentially depends on ability to steer the discourse. Recognizing limitations of direct and centralized interventions, we look for analytical and strategic solutions in sophisticated mechanisms of contextual steering: variation, selection and retention of strategic discourses. These mechanisms are integral to the cultural political economy approach.
COBISS.SI-ID: 1024575041
The article attempts to discuss certain issues related to contemporary identifications, social changes and technological development that are reflected in the transnational sphere. The notion we believe can elucidate the complex relationship between the individual and society and reveal important aspects in identity formations is that of the social field, particularly the transnational social field. In the modern era, individuals participate in many social fields which do not always correlate with local or national boundaries. The possibility of their individual freedom and social change is thus more present, but is still conditioned by different types of capital and other social forces.
COBISS.SI-ID: 1024620353