Uniformity and Diversity Defined

Abstract

On the basis of the dimensions that have been identified in the theoretical and empirical analyses in Chapter 2, a uniformity and a Diversity scenario are constructed. The countries under study are grouped into five different clusters. Each cluster reflects the cultural and economic characteristics dominant for that particular European region and the differences between clusters represent the important economic and cultural differences existing across Europe. In the Diversity scenario, we assume that these cultural and economic differences will persist. In the Uniformity scenario, all European countries will have similar economic and cultural climates in the long run. Arguments in favour of both scenarios are discussed. In this chapter, we will show that currently observed cultural and economic trends lead to these two scenarios. These scenarios may be considered to be feasible outcomes of over-time developments of the two dimensions observed, where convergent tendencies dominate in one scenario whilst divergent developments are dominant in the other.