| This thesis begins with a historical overview of the development of the European Union and the Norwegian relationship to the federalization of Europe. Using a series of interviews with Norwegian voters, the thesis focuses on the empirical case of the 1994 referendum against membership in the EU. I develop an argument for the analytical and empirical distinction of what I call Referendum Organizations, or ROs. Using a comparison framework, I contrast ROs with Social Movement Organizations and Political Parties. By comparing form, function, timing, purpose, and organizational field, I argue that sociologists need to distinguish referendum organizations from social movement organizations and political parties. In addition, using a discursive analysis, I argue that Norwegians will vote to join the European Union when given another chance. After rejecting two membership referenda, significant cultural, emotional, and discursive changes have altered the political field in Norway. Based on my interviews, voters who voted 'yes' to EU membership in 1994 are strongly attached to their pro-Europe positions, voters who voted 'no,' however, are not, and, in fact, lean toward changing their EU position. This difference in position is highly related to discursive arguments about progress and the future. I predict that Norway will join the European union as a result of a new referendum. |
