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Symbolic universes between present and future of Europe. First results of the map of European societies' cultural milieu.

Authors :
Salvatore S
Fini V
Mannarini T
Veltri GA
Avdi E
Battaglia F
Castro-Tejerina J
Ciavolino E
Cremaschi M
Kadianaki I
Kharlamov NA
Krasteva A
Kullasepp K
Matsopoulos A
Meschiari C
Mossi P
Psinas P
Redd R
Rochira A
Santarpia A
Sammut G
Valsiner J
Valmorbida A
Source :
PloS one [PLoS One] 2018 Jan 03; Vol. 13 (1), pp. e0189885. Date of Electronic Publication: 2018 Jan 03 (Print Publication: 2018).
Publication Year :
2018

Abstract

This paper reports the framework, method and main findings of an analysis of cultural milieus in 4 European countries (Estonia, Greece, Italy, and UK). The analysis is based on a questionnaire applied to a sample built through a two-step procedure of post-hoc random selection from a broader dataset based on an online survey. Responses to the questionnaire were subjected to multidimensional analysis-a combination of Multiple Correspondence Analysis and Cluster Analysis. We identified 5 symbolic universes, that correspond to basic, embodied, affect-laden, generalized worldviews. People in this study see the world as either a) an ordered universe; b) a matter of interpersonal bond; c) a caring society; d) consisting of a niche of belongingness; e) a hostile place (others' world). These symbolic universes were also interpreted as semiotic capital: they reflect the capacity of a place to foster social and civic development. Moreover, the distribution of the symbolic universes, and therefore social and civic engagement, is demonstrated to be variable across the 4 countries in the analysis. Finally, we develop a retrospective reconstruction of the distribution of symbolic universes as well as the interplay between their current state and past, present and future socio-institutional scenarios.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1932-6203
Volume :
13
Issue :
1
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
PloS one
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
29298349
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0189885