Hard and Soft

Claes H. de Vreese, Hajo G. Boomgaarden and Holli A. Semetko
Additional contact information
Claes H. de Vreese: University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands, c.h.devreese@uva.nl
Hajo G. Boomgaarden: University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands, h.boomgaarden@uva.nl
Holli A. Semetko: Emory University, USA, holli.semetko@emory.edu

European Union Politics, 2008, vol. 9, issue 4, 511-530

Abstract: Support for European integration is a function no longer only of `hard' economic and utilitarian predictors but also of `soft' predictors such as feelings of identity and attitudes towards immigrants. Focusing on the issue of the potential membership of Turkey in the European Union (EU), this study demonstrates that the importance of `soft' predictors outweighs the role of `hard' predictors in understanding public opinion about Turkish membership. The study draws on survey data (N = 1630) and applies a series of regression models and structural equation modelling to show in addition how the effects of utilitarian considerations are mediated through `soft' indicators, further accentuating the importance of identity considerations and anti-immigration sentiments. The findings are discussed in the light of public support for and the legitimacy of further European enlargement.

Keywords: EU; euroscepticism; immigration; public opinion; Turkey (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2008
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:eeupol:v:9:y:2008:i:4:p:511-530

DOI: 10.1177/1465116508095149

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