The Solidarity of Distance1
Abstract
Abstract: Solidarity in the classic sense pertains to a cohesion among humans that entails physical contact, shared emotions, and common goals or projects. Characteristic cases are to be found among families, close friends, or co-workers. The present paper, in contrast, treats a phenomenon of the solidarity of distance, a solidarity based in fear of certain others and in incompetence to interact with them. The starting point for this analysis is the person who is motivated to interact with others who are unfamiliar or fear-provoking. Given that the fear and momentary social incompetence do not allow a full interaction to ensue, the individual will move toward solidarity with those others on a symbolic level. In this manner the motivation to approach the others is acted upon while physical and emotional distance is retained.
Zusammenfassung: Solidarität im klassischen Sinne bedeutet einen Zusammenhalt unter Menschen, der physische Kontakte, geteilte Emotionen und gemeinsame Ziele oder Projekte umfasst. Charakteristische Fälle finden sich in Familien, unter engen Freunden oder Kolleginnen. Die vorliegende Arbeit hingegen beleuchtet ein anderes Phänomen, eine Solidarität der Distanz, die gegründet ist auf der Angst vor bestimmten anderen Personen und auf der Inkompetenz, mit bestimmten anderen zu interagieren. Ausgangspunkt der Analyse ist die Motivation eines Individuums, mit anderen Menschen zu interagieren, die es als fremdartig oder Furcht einflößend empfindet. Sofern Furcht und empfundene soziale Inkompetenz das Entstehen einer vollständigen Interaktion verhindern, wird das Individuum Solidarität mit diesen anderen auf einer symbolischen Ebene entwickeln. Auf diese Weise wird das Motiv realisiert, sich anderen zu nähern, wobei gleichzeitig physische und emotionale Distanz erhalten bleibt.
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