Abstract
This paper deals with the changes within the profession of political science in Europe. The first part of the paper outlines the emerging integrated academic labour market in Europe and the accompanying process of convergence around shared professional benchmarks. The main observation here is the increasing influence competitive meritocracy has on our profession. The second part of the paper deals with some of the structural barriers European political science faces in such a competitive market. The final part of the paper outlines ways by which to surpass these structural barriers and attain a competitive academic profile while doing a Ph.D. at a typical European university.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Notes
See Peter Mair's contribution to this symposium.
References
Jervis, R. (1985) ‘Pluralistic rigor: A comment on Bueno de Mesquita’, International Studies Quarterly 29: 145–149.
Loewenberg, G. (2006) ‘The influence of European émigré scholars on comparative politics, 1925–1965’, American Political Science Review 1090 (4): 597–604.
Moore Jr., B. (1953) ‘The new scholasticism and the study of politics’, World Politics 6 (1): 122–138.
Schmitter, P.C. (2002) ‘Seven (disputable) theses concerning the future of “Transatlanticised” or “Globalised” political science’, European Political Science 1 (2): 23–40.
Scott, J. (1995) ‘The role of theory in comparative politics: A symposium’, World Politics 48: 1–49.
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank Robin Best, Maria Spirova, Irina Stefuriuc, Daniela Stockmann, and Catherine de Vries for their comments and suggestions.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Erk, J. The Changing European Profession of Political Science. Eur Polit Sci 8, 151–161 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1057/eps.2009.3
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/eps.2009.3