Written by an internationally renowned team of experts, this book gives a much-needed sociological analysis of the European Union today. Integrating theory and empirical research, it assesses pertinent issues, from mobilities to the media. This is an engaging exploration of a fascinating subject for all students and scholars interested in Europe.

Introduction; A.Favell & V.Guiraudon PART I: SOCIAL FOUNDATIONS Social Class and Identity; J.D.Medrano Social Mobility and Spatial Mobility; A.Favell & E.Recchi Elites, Middle Classes and Cities; A.Andreotti & P.Le Gales Markets and Firms; N.Fligstein PART II: POLITICS AND POLICIES Mobilizations; V.Guiraudon EU Politics; N.Kauppi EU Policies; F.Mérand Social Theory and European Integration; H.Trenz Postface; G.Ross.

'This is a well-written and well-structured book from a first-rate group of authors. There is a real need for such a book, and I have no doubt that it will be widely used in undergraduate courses.' - Michele Lamont, Professor of European Studies, Harvard, USA and Chair of the Council for European Studies 'This valuable text surveys the increasingly rich range of sociological analyses of the European Union. The combination of thematic overviews and primary research makes this book an excellent resource for students and lecturers.' - Helen Wallace, Centennial Professor in the European Institute, LSE, UK 'This superb book brings together some of the most creative and original sociological work on the European Union. It is a core resource for teaching and research in this growing field.' - William Outhwaite, Professor of Sociology, Newcastle University, UK 'An inspiring overview of how sociology could contribute not only to a better understanding of European Societies, but also to a better cognition of the functioning of the European Institutions. The volume is a great step forward in the sociological research on Europe since it overcomes differences of national focus and offers good syntheses for newcomers and compelling arguments for experts on Europe.' - Berlin Reviews in Social Sciences, Humboldt-Universitat zu Berlin

'This is a well-written and well-structured book from a first-rate group of authors. There is a real need for such a book, and I have no doubt that it will be widely used in undergraduate courses.' - Michele Lamont, Professor of European Studies, Harvard, USA and Chair of the Council for European Studies 'This valuable text surveys the increasingly rich range of sociological analyses of the European Union. The combination of thematic overviews and primary research makes this book an excellent resource for students and lecturers.' - Helen Wallace, Centennial Professor in the European Institute, LSE, UK 'This superb book brings together some of the most creative and original sociological work on the European Union. It is a core resource for teaching and research in this growing field.' - William Outhwaite, Professor of Sociology, Newcastle University, UK 'An inspiring overview of how sociology could contribute not only to a better understanding of European Societies, but also to a better cognition of the functioning of the European Institutions. The volume is a great step forward in the sociological research on Europe since it overcomes differences of national focus and offers good syntheses for newcomers and compelling arguments for experts on Europe.' - Berlin Reviews in Social Sciences, Humboldt-Universitat zu Berlin