The Study of Current European Integration Problems: A Discussion of the Neo-Functionalist Approach with Special Emphasis on So-Called ‘Functional Linkages’
| Date | 01 July 1972 |
| Author | Martin Sæter |
| Published date | 01 July 1972 |
| DOI | 10.1177/001083677200700205 |
| Subject Matter | Article |
The
Study
of
Current
European
Integration Problems:
A Discussion of the Neo-Functionalist Approach with Special Emphasis
on so-called 'Functional Linkages"
MARTIN
S£TER
The
University
of Oslo
Sretcr, M.
The
Study
of
Current
European
Integration
Problems: ADiscussion of the
Nco-Functionalist
Approach
with Special Emphasis on so-called
'Functional
Linkages'.
Cooperation
and
Conllict,
VII,
1972, E!l-SO.
Functionalist
analysis of
integration
processes requires some
prior
definition
of aim,
i.e, some goal conceptualization.
There
is at present
great
uncertainty
over the question
of
European
integration,
causing
some of the most
prominent
theoreticians to
abandon
the functionalist
approach.
The
author
argues that,
although
the simple fell-
eralist
or
supranational
model no
longer
seems valid, functionalist analysis can still
be used in a fruitful way,
provided
that
the goal conceptualization is
continually
read-
justed,
on an empirical basis, to the actual
integration
policies of the actors implied.
This
readjustment
of
analytical
model to observable
reality
can be secured by focusing
on
the
so-called
'functional
linkages', i.c, the
different
factors
that
lead
the actors in
the
direction
of realizing agiven goal conception.
The
author
then
goes on to describe
empirically
what
he
regards
as the most
important
functional
linkages in the EC
process of
today
.
•
Harlin
Saitcr,
The
Uniucrsit
y
of
Oslo.
From as early as the 1950s, functionalist
viewpoints have held a central position
in the study of European integration pol-
icies." My own doctoral dissertation is
based mainly on such an approach, espe-
cially on Haas's so-called neo-functional-
ism." Since I completed the dissertation
some two years ago, interesting things have
taken place with respect to theory. Haas,
taking the consequences of the fact that
his model no longer corresponds to the
actual development of European integra-
tion policies, has dismissed the neo-Iunc-
tionalist approach as unfruitful
and
in-
adequate.'
On the other hand, several revised
versions of nco-functionalism have been
offered. Of these I should like to empha-
size the contributions of Joseph S. Nye
and Leon N. Lindberg.s
Because functionalism is so central to
my own work,
and
because development
in the field of theory
are
obviously closely
related to the actual political development
of Europe, Iconsider it worthwhile to re-
evaluate the functionalist approach crit-
ically, to see how applicable it might be
to current integration policies.
Functionalist system-analysis presup-
poses a model
and
aconception of aims
on which to base the analysis.
The
ques-
tion then becomes,
what
is functional in
relation to what? Here Ishall concentrate
on the selection of models,
and
the rela-
tions between model
and
observable real-
ity. In this connection the notion of
'functional linkages' is a central one. As
apreliminary definition Iwould say that
by 'functional linkages' we mean deter-
mining the actors' sequences of actions
towards ahigher level of integration.
I shall attempt to shed light on such
functional linkages in today's European
integration policy on the basis of recent
empirical material. But before turning to
what content
and
place within the func-
tionalist approach we should
award
the
concept of functional linkages, let us first
discuss in more general terms develop-
ments within functionalist theory.
First, there is the basic distinction be-
tween the classical functionalists of
Mitrany's school and the nco-functionalists
headed by Haas.
Whereas
the former
defined functional integration as a ration-
al, non-political organizing of welfare
To continue reading
Request your trial