Za hranicou solidarity. Obhajovanie princípu dôstojnosti pre všetkých
Beyond Solidarity Boundaries. Defending the Principle of Dignity for All

Summary/Abstract: Beyond Solidarity Boundaries. Defending the Principle of Dignity for All. The article examines the place universal solidarity and ‘dignity for all’ principles have in common thinking about just society in situation of their long-term marginalisation in political discourse and discourse about living conditions of vulnerable groups in Slovakia.First it scrutinises sociological literature dealing with conditions for expanding and sustaining universal solidarity. Theoretical framework based on the ideas of Durkheim, Joas and Alexander about the role of cultivating emotions and cultural articulation of suffering in expansion of solidarity is used to identify the gaps in discursive resources that are necessary for advocating right to dignity for groups that tend to be morally excluded. Then it analyses the transcripts of 8 focus groups, the scenario of which replicates the EVS 2017 items testing universalistic solidarity as warranting basic living conditions for all and concern about living conditions of diverse social groups. The findings support the expectation that the missing discursive backing will threaten the advocacy of solidarity for vulnerable groups such as Roma and long-term unemployed. Advocates of universal solidarity were marginalised and universal solidarity rather pugnaciously refused for being in clash with meritocratic and reciprocity principles. A very existence of welfare system that supposedly privileges Roma to the detriment of underprivileged “white” majority was seen as distortion of principle of equality. Sociológia 2017, Vol 49 (No. 5: 507-541)

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