This book unveils the significant impact of the European integration process on the political thinking of European citizens, with both objective inequalities and the subjective perception of these inequalities within an integrated Europe fueling political dissent.

Christian Lahusen is Professor of Sociology at the University of Siegen, Germany. His research interests include the sociology of European societies and European integration, social problems and social exclusion, social theory, political sociology, in particular movements, political conflicts and transformations of the state.

1. Introduction 2. Towards a political sociology of Europe: Theoretical localisations 3. Constructing a social space in troubled times: Public spheres and cross-border debates 4. A European compass: Citizens' perceptions of European living conditions 5. Social divisions and perceptions of national politics: The hidden European compass 6. Social divisions and perceptions of the European Union: Local and European landmarks 7. The political (dis)integration of Europe