EU-space and the Euroclass
A long-term ethnographic study of EU civil servants in Brussels, examining how culture, nationality, class, and lifestyle shape power, prestige, and career success inside the European Commission.
I explored how “Europeanness” is performed, recognized, and used as a form of symbolic power within the Brussels bureaucratic world.
Mapping Power and Prestige in EU Bureaucracy
Over 100 interviews and “deep hanging out” research uncovered how success inside the European Commission depends not only on formal competence, but also on mastering cultural codes, visibility, and informal networks.
Understanding the Euroclass and Cultural Hierarchies
I analyzed how class, nationality, gender, and lifestyle intersect in the production of the so-called “Euroclass”—a dominant group within EU institutions. The study showed how some national and cultural representations are recognized as more “European” than others, shaping access to influence and advancement.
Research with Academic and Public Impact
The project resulted in a monograph, more than 20 academic publications, over 30 conference presentations, and media coverage in major German outlets.
