Building the European identity: A look at youth attitudes and the role of education

Abstract

This study aims to advance in the understanding of the process of forming a European identity in stages prior to adulthood. A sample of 268 young Spaniards between 16 and 25 years old participated, answering questions about the future of Europe and their own future. The results showed that this population shows a high sensitivity to democratic values, consideration of cultural diversity, and respect for human rights. Education emerges as a way of responding to the challenges that these values represent. Age only affects some elements, but it is possible to identify two differentiated profiles: young people with a moderate identification with Europe and young people who feel more strongly linked to the common European project. These results show a profile of youth who are quite identified with the idea of a united Europe and who think of education as a way of socialization and approximation to a common culture and social project.