Abstract
This chapter introduces a conceptualization of solidarity which emerges from the ‘refugee crisis’ and reflects different ways of practicing, organizing, and articulating solidarity. In opposition to the solidary claims made by states (corresponding mainly to their national interests) and by the European Union, a perspective rooted in civil society is assumed here. Solidarity has mainly two dimensions: relational and spatial. Solidarity enhances relations between different actors and generates political subjectivities and collective identities. At the same time, it is opposed to what is perceived as unjust politics, meaning that it is also contentious insomuch as it rejects those politics. Solidarity is besides produced in and produces spaces. Through spatial practices, alliances are built and imaginaries invented and multi-scalar relations can be developed by connecting different spaces. We present a typology of three types of solidarity (autonomous solidarity, civic solidarity, and institutional solidarity) which reflects these dynamics of solidarity as well as the degree of institutionalization.
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Agustín, Ó.G., Jørgensen, M.B. (2019). Conceptualizing Solidarity. An Analytical Framework. In: Solidarity and the 'Refugee Crisis' in Europe. Palgrave Pivot, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-91848-8_2
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