The aim of this study was twofold: to investigate (i) the relationship
between values, social identities, constructions of European Union (EU) and (ii)
reactions to December 12th Copenhagen decision concerning Turkey. In order to
fullfil the aim, two methodologically different analyses were carried out: A
qualitative analysis of newspapers representing different ideologies, and a
quantitative analysis of Turkish university students& / #8217 / responses to questionaries. The
qualitative analysis revealed different constructions of Turkey& / #8217 / s relationship with
EU: Advantages of joining the union in terms of human rights and economic
development were made in the newspapers as well as disadvantages in terms of
emperalism. In additon, historical references to Tanzimat and Islahat decrees were
iii
made. The quantitative analyses performed on university students& / #8217 / responses to
questionnaires revealed three social identities: Nationalist-Islam, Turk, and
European / three different constructions of EU: Europe As Different, Impermeable
Boundaries, and Dissimilar but Advantageous / and two reactions to the decision,
Justification and Attribution of decision to Differences and Conflict, as well as
negative evaluation of decision. Further analyses revealed that values of patriotism,
ethnocentrism, and antisecularism were significant predictors of Nationalist-Islam
social identity. Patriotism was a significant predictor of Turk social identity and
antisecularism was a significant predictor of European social identity. Seeing EU
boundaries as impermeable was related to negative evaluation of the decision and
Europe As Different was a significant predictor seeing the decision as a result of
differences and conflict. Viewing Europe as dissimilar but advantageous was
associated with justifying the decision and ethnocentrism was related to low
justification (rejection) of the decision. European and Turk Identity emerged as a
significant predictor of the construction of EU. Endorsement of European identity
was related negatively to Europe As Different and to seeing EU boundaries as
impermeable. High endorsement of European Identity was also negatively related to
seeing Europe as dissimilar but advantageous.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:METU/oai:etd.lib.metu.edu.tr:http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/1045012/index.pdf |
| Date | 01 January 2003 |
| Creators | Cem, Nevra |
| Contributors | Hortacsu, Nuran |
| Publisher | METU |
| Source Sets | Middle East Technical Univ. |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | M.S. Thesis |
| Format | text/pdf |
| Rights | To liberate the content for public access |
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