Some effects of regional differentiation on integration in the European community

Abstract

Disparity, in its specific meaning, can be defined as inequality, difference, or incongruity. Meanwhile, as Myrdal (1972, p. 17) pointed out, ’…experience shows that if by some chance discrimination in a particular field of social contact is increased or decreased the psychological force behind it that is prejudice tends to change so as to support actual behaviour. This too fits into the general pattern of circular causation.’ In this sense, there are certain periods when opposing forces balance one another. However, when the whole system moves after a shock by a push or a pull, then the changes in the forces work in the same direction because the variables are interlocked in circular causation.