Article

Solidarity with disabled people in times of crisis: A comparative analysis of Italy and the UK

Details

Citation

Maggini N, Montgomery T & Baglioni S (2021) Solidarity with disabled people in times of crisis: A comparative analysis of Italy and the UK. International Sociology, 36 (4), p. 623–643. https://doi.org/10.1177/0268580921994508

Abstract
Against the background of crisis and cuts, citizens can express solidarity with groups in various ways. Using novel survey data this article explores the attitudes and behaviours of citizens in their expressions of solidarity with disabled people and in doing so illuminates the differences and similarities across two European contexts: Italy and the UK. The findings reveal pools of solidarity with disabled people across both countries that have on the one hand similar foundations such as the social embeddedness and social trust of citizens, while on the other hand contain some differences, such as the more direct and active nature of solidarity in Italy compared to the UK and the role of religiosity as an important determinant, particularly in Italy. Across both countries the role of ‘deservingness’ was key to understanding solidarity, and the study’s conclusions raise questions about a solidarity embedded by a degree of paternalism and even religious piety.

Keywords
Crisis; deservingness; disabled people; solidarity

Journal
International Sociology: Volume 36, Issue 4

StatusPublished
FundersEuropean Commission (Horizon 2020)
Publication date31/07/2021
Publication date online27/05/2021
Date accepted by journal09/10/2020
URLhttp://hdl.handle.net/1893/35007
PublisherSAGE Publications
ISSN0268-5809
eISSN1461-7242

People (1)

Dr Tom Montgomery

Dr Tom Montgomery

Lecturer in Work & Organisations, Management, Work and Organisation