Inside European Parliament Politics

Table of Contents

1. Frontmatter

2. Chapter 1. Introduction

   Laura Landorff

   Abstract

   This chapter introduces the European Parliament (EP), Intergroups and Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) as the objects of this study. It reviews previous research on Intergroups, outlines the aim of the study and its main argument. Moreover, it gives an insight into the sociological perspective and the mixed methods approach applied in the book.

3. Chapter 2. Opening up Institutional Black Boxes: The European Parliament from a Sociological Perspective

   Laura Landorff

   Abstract

   This chapter outlines the conceptual framework of the book. Introducing structural constructivism as theoretical backbone of this study, the European Parliament is subsequently sketched as a transnational political field in this chapter. Within this transnational political field, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are conceptualised as multipositional entrepreneurs who struggle to acquire a variety of social resources. This chapter suggests conceptual specification and modifications with regard to the concepts of field and capital.

4. Chapter 3. Intergroups in the European Parliament: Institutionalisation and Regulation

   Laura Landorff

   Abstract

   This chapter provides a general introduction to Intergroups in the European Parliament. It outlines their development over time, their process of regulation and institutionalisation since the mid-1990s, and gives an insight into their diversity in terms of size, objectives, internal organisation and working methods.

5. Chapter 4. Who Are the MEPs Making up Intergroups? A Sociopolitical Analysis

   Laura Landorff

   Abstract

   This chapter explores the sociopolitical features of those Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) maintaining and participating in Intergroups. The statistical analysis of MEPs’ social configurations and political backgrounds reveals what kind of social resources (e.g. forms of capital) these parliamentarians have at their disposal when engaging in Intergroups, and which positions they occupy in the transnational field.

6. Chapter 5. Finding Allies: The Intergroup as Bridging Social Capital

   Laura Landorff

   Abstract

   This chapter argues for a conceptualisation of Intergroups as bridging social capital, i.e., as outward-looking, heterogeneous social groupings that resemble professional ties of acquaintance. It examines the membership in and composition of Intergroups, looks at the durability and regularity with which social interactions are practiced by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in Intergroups and discusses the notion of trust as an important component of social capital.

7. Chapter 6. Seeking Information: The Intergroup as Informational Capital

   Laura Landorff

   Abstract

   This chapter demonstrates how Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) acquire informational capital through Intergroups. The chapter offers an innovative conceptual modification of the Bourdieusian concept of informational capital that is composed of expert, organisational and political knowledge. In this way, the chapter provides a more comprehensive and holistic conceptualisation of not only information but also knowledge going beyond the terms of policy information and political information used in theories of legislative organisation.

8. Chapter 7. Conversion and Mobilisation of Political Capital

   Laura Landorff

   Abstract

   This chapter is dedicated to the conversion and mobilisation of the acquired social resources. It shows how Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) use social capital and informational capital to gain political capital, i.e. increased visibility and reputation. Moreover, it demonstrates how MEPs mobilise political capital in combination with their acquired bridging social capital and informational capital to foster opinion-formation in the European Parliament as well as to shape parliamentary reports and the agenda in favour of the cause of the Intergroup.

9. Chapter 8. Conclusion

   Laura Landorff

   Abstract

   This chapter reflects upon the empirical and conceptual advances made in this study, discusses the contributions of the book, provides an outlook to the future of Intergroups in the European Parliament and points to avenues for further research.

10. Backmatter