Reflective Solidarity
In: Constellations: an international journal of critical and democratic theory, Band 2, Heft 1, S. 114-140
ISSN: 1351-0487
Explores the universal ideal of reflective solidarity, as distinct from affectional & conventional solidarity. The limitations of the usual understanding of both affectional solidarity, dependent on love/friendship relationships of intimacy, & conventional solidarity, emerging from shared belief/goals among members of a group, are discussed. The controversial Clarence Thomas US Supreme Court confirmation hearings, demonstrating conflicting racialized sexual/sexualized racial politics within the African-American community, typified a crisis of solidarity. In a pluralist society, resolution of a solidarity crisis depends on the use of inclusive, reflective solidarity, informed by notions of the essential justice-solidarity link, the attitude of the generalized other, & "we" in ordinary language use. J. Sadler