Public opinion in Europe in quest of harmony?

Abstract

This article investigates empirically the sway of ideology and social class on public opinion on some of today’s major economic and social issues in European countries. Using European Election Survey data, our results demonstrate that there is a popular convergence on these issues which tends to cut across class and ideological divides and the socio-economic traditions of each nation. The effect of ideology on public opinion on these matters also tends to be largely independent of educational differences. In the light of these findings implications are drawn.