Loyalty and the EEC: The Limitations of the Functionalist Approach

Abstract

This article explores the question of public loyalty and the E.C. It is argued that public loyalty cannot be stimulated along the lines suggested by the Functionalists. Some of the weaknesses of Functionalist premises are discussed. It is argued that the concept of ‘loyalty transfers' has led to macro-level loyalty being regarded as indivisible and transferable only on a zero-sum basis; but that it would be more instructive to regard such loyalty as a divisible entity. Before public loyalty towards the E.C. can be generated, the relationship between the utilitarian and affective-identitive components of loyalty must be better understood. The E.C. must also be made more visible, tangible, and intelligible for citizens if they are to become aware of it, and if their interest in owing allegiance to it is to be stimulated.