Leiden University Student Repository

Killian, Megan (2020)

“We are all living on a big spaceship”: A grounded theory study on the lived experience of newly elected MEPs

Master thesis | European Politics and Society

Using a grounded theory qualitative research approach the author constructs a theoretical framework around understanding the subjective experience of incoming (newly elected) Member European Parliament (MEPs) to the European Parliament and proposes a theory to explain the relationship between MEPs and the Parliament. Using a grounded study framework, a select group of MEPs were interviewed around their subjective experience of joining the European Parliament, and how they attempt to resolve their main concerns. In an on-going iterative process of ‘comparative analysis’ which stayed close to the original data, and while exploring the emerging concepts, to theorise that when transitioning into the EU Parliament, MEPs experience a changing identity, and in seeking to shape Parliament, MEPs are themselves shaped by the Parliament. The findings suggest that newly elected MEPs experience a changing identity on joining the Parliament, and in response attempt to change aspects of the...Show moreUsing a grounded theory qualitative research approach the author constructs a theoretical framework around understanding the subjective experience of incoming (newly elected) Member European Parliament (MEPs) to the European Parliament and proposes a theory to explain the relationship between MEPs and the Parliament. Using a grounded study framework, a select group of MEPs were interviewed around their subjective experience of joining the European Parliament, and how they attempt to resolve their main concerns. In an on-going iterative process of ‘comparative analysis’ which stayed close to the original data, and while exploring the emerging concepts, to theorise that when transitioning into the EU Parliament, MEPs experience a changing identity, and in seeking to shape Parliament, MEPs are themselves shaped by the Parliament. The findings suggest that newly elected MEPs experience a changing identity on joining the Parliament, and in response attempt to change aspects of the Parliamentary structures and practices. However, MEPs themselves are changed during their term in office, and the Parliament remains fundamentally unchanged. The process is repeated with the periodic arrival of newly elected MEPs.Show less

Grounded Theory

Identity

European Parliment

Author

Killian, Megan

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Supervisors

Macaj, Gjovalin

ECTS Credits

30

Language

en