The politics of solidarity: solidarity claims in party rhetoric and why they matter.

In this research project on solidarity we will answer three research questions. In the first part we focus on the operationalization of an actual solidarity typology, that integrates the solidarity theories of Durkheim and Honneth: Solidarity, what is in a word? The solidarity is based on four solidarity attitudes that each involve a particular form of causal attribution. Group-based and compassionate solidarity are organized around similarity. Exchange-based and empathic solidarity are organized around difference. Based on linguistic scales and implicit association tests of personality psychology we will distill different solidarity claims that can be connected to the Durkheim-Honneth theoretical synthesis. We define solidarity claims as rhetorical devices that link specific solidarity modes with certain solidarity referents. In the second part of this research project we evaluate which political claims are made by which party. Is solidarity only an issue of the left or are the partisan solidarity claims more nuanced, more variegated in a multi-party context? To this end we will perform both quantitative and qualitative content analysis of Belgian party manifestoes from 1985-2014 and the media reports that include direct solidarity claims by Belgian politicians. Based on preliminary results we expect an increase in the use of solidarity claims but it remains to be seen which type of solidarity claims are on the rise. Last but not least, in the third part we will evaluate whether the partisan solidarity claims resonate with the public: Does it matter what solidarity claims are made by political parties? In order to assess the congruence of partisan and public claims we will use factorial survey experiments. In our factorial survey experiment, we present individuals with fictional claims (vignettes) regarding the cause of a solidary attitude within which we will manipulate the solidarity mode and the referent. These vignettes will be integrated in two surveys: a panel study of generation students and a representative online survey in 2017. Based on these two surveys we will assess the reciprocal causal link between public and political parties. On the one hand we will test whether people vote for the party that is closest to their solidarity attitudes. On the other hand we will test whether parties 'socialize' their voters, and people adopt the solidarity claims of the party they voted for.

Keywords:POLITICAL SOCIOLOGY

Disciplines:Other economics and business, Citizenship, immigration and political inequality, International and comparative politics, Multilevel governance, National politics, Political behaviour, Political organisations and institutions, Political theory and methodology, Public administration, Other political science