The Cultural Milieu and the Symbolic Universes of European Societies

The chapter reports the main findings of an analysis of cultural milieus of a sample of 11 European countries (Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom). The analysis is based on a questionnaire (View of Context - VOC) applied to a sample built through a two-step procedure of post-hoc random selection from a broader dataset based on an online survey. According to the methodological framework outlined in the previous chapter, responses to the questionnaire were subjected to multidimensional analysis – a combination of Multiple Correspondence Analysis and Cluster Analysis. We identified three fundamental dimensions of meanings, interpreted as lines of semiotic forces comprising the semiotic field of European societies: AFFECTIVE CONNOTATION OF THE WORLD – foe vs. friend; DIRECTION OF DESIRE - passivity vs engagement; FORM OF DEMAND – demand for systemic resources vs. demand for community bond. Moreover, 5 symbolic universes were mapped. Each symbolic universe corresponds to a basic, embodied, affect-laden, generalized worldview: 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).