Is there any European man?

What is European Identity?

Identity is a complex and multidimensional concept. Through identities we construct the way we
see the world around us.
We are a part of Europe and the European Union. But do we identify ourselves as European?
And what does being European actually mean?
From the different identities we hold, national and ethnic identities are undoubtedly two of the
strongest. However, according to Gerard Delanty*, Professor of Sociology and Social and Political
Thought, the national identities are changing in the current global and multicultural world; they are
becoming more flexible and decentred.
This means that we have started to feel a tighter connection to identities that have no national
limits. Also, a strong feeling of national identity does not mean it is impossible to identify oneself to
another collective identity as well. It is possible to feel oneself both as a German and as a European with
any contradiction.
"Through others we become ourselves." - Lev S. Vygotsky
In Delanty's opinion the European influence and space has grown so much that it has become
hard to tell what is national and what is European. Europe cannot be defined by geography or politics,
instead it has more to do with cultural communication between people. For example the freedom of
movement and residence throughout the European Union has resulted in the increase of cultural
communication between Europeans. The more we communicate, the more our identities take new
shapes and borders.
"We know what we are but not what we may be." - W. Shakespeare
European values and the basis for the European idea have been discussed for decades. In the
Declaration of European Identity (1973), the defence of the principles of representative democracy, rule
of law, social justice and respect for human rights are seen as the foundation of the European identity.
In addition, European identity can also be strengthened by increasing knowledge of the rights and
opportunities of the citizens of the European Union.

Gerard Delanty (born 1960) is a British sociologist and Professor of Sociology and Social & Political Thought at the University of
Sussex.[1] He is also the editor of European Journal of Social Theory.

Bibliography:

What is European Identity? http://www.photoforeurope.org/european-identity

Gerard Delanty (born 1960) is a British sociologist and Professor of Sociology and Social & Political Thought at the University of
Sussex.[1] He is also the editor of European Journal of Social Theory.

opportunities of the citizens of the European Union.

Gerard Delanty (born 1960) is a British sociologist and Professor of Sociology and Social & Political Thought at the University of
Sussex.[1] He is also the editor of European Journal of Social Theory.