Research seminar 'Solidarity and Social Distance'
On Friday, May 11th, 2012, the research group 'Solidarity in the 21st Century' of the Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Labour Studies (AIAS) organizes its second research seminar. The research seminar will focus on the relation between solidarity and social distance. Social distance, either in an objective or an subjective sense, is often thought to be an important determinant of social cohesion and social solidarity. The greater the social distance between two individuals, the weaker their social bond. Objective social distance can refer to, e.g., physical proximity, socio-economic distance or religious difference, while subjective social distance can be affective (likeability), cognitive (perceived difference in characteristics) or normative (in-group vs. out-group). By social solidarity we mean any act that benefits another person without immediately getting something in return. It refers both to formal solidarity (e.g., social transfers through the state) and to informal solidarity (e.g., voluntary work, neighbourly help).
During the seminar, individual researchers from the research team will present their (preliminary) findings. Dr. Ferry Koster will present the results of his survey analysis on the effects of regional heterogeneity on welfare state support. Dr. Maarten Berg has conducted laboratory experiments and will present the outcomes of his 'solidarity game'. Dr. Dorota Lepianka will speak about her media analyses: the ways in which different groups are portrayed in the media and how this relates to social distance. Laurens Buijs, M.Sc. will elaborate on the empirical findings of his qualitative fieldwork in the Dapperbuurt. These presentations will form the basis for a first monograph on solidarity and social distance. Several experienced researchers will be invited to respond to the presentations and afterwards there will be a panel discussion.
Researchers from different backgrounds are invited to participate. Please fill out the registration form at http://www.uva-aias.net For more information on the seminar, please contact Merle Zwiers at m.d.zwiers@uva.nl