Identity formulations in relation to Europe and the EU in post-Brexit Scotland
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2022-06-27
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en
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This study has contributed to critical geopolitics by adding the interaction between different local, national and supranational levels of collective identities. Since it is possible to identify with multiple identities at the same time and these can influence each other, the local and national frames of belonging have been included to understand Scots’ European identifications. Semi-structured interviews and conversations were conducted with people aged 23-70 from all corners of Scotland in the period of UK elections to explore Scots’ identity frames. The application of a critical discourse analysis showed the Scots continue to construct their identity towards Europe after Brexit. Borders are continuously reformulated as they are shaped through cultural practices and discursive constructions. However, Scots frame the relation between the EU and Europe in different ways. Europe was highly regarded but concerning the political notion encapsuled in the EU, the Scots were divided. Although the benefits of EU membership contributed to their European identification, many shortcomings were also observed in the EU’s political organisation. Furthermore, the connection was made between the European and Scottish identity seen in values like: openness, welcoming, internationalist, progressive and social equality. The British identity was more frequently separated from this dynamic because its conservative, inward-looking, individualist and capitalist culture. This identity research was able to bring political issues to light. Still, further research is needed about other subnations within the UK and particular ethnic groups to study this study’s generalisability. Besides, documents and non-verbal communications should be included in next research to depict a holistic picture.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen