Boundaries of Compassion: Affective Dimensions of Refugee Solidarity in Germany and Britain

Times of crisis are times of contested solidarity: While solidarity with those affected by wars, environmental disasters or pandemics is called for, marginalised groups are also often scapegoated and excluded from practices of aid and solidarity. Against this background, our paper investigates boundary drawing as a key dimension of solidarity: What narratives are used to justify or reject calls for solidarity? How are symbolic boundaries (Lamont) used to include or exclude actors from the community of solidarity? And what role do emotions and affects play in the (de)legitimation of solidarity?

Based on a qualitative discourse analysis of the reception of refugees in German and English newspapers since the so-called refugee crisis in 2015, our paper examines the way boundaries are drawn in narratives of cohesion and solidarity. Based on our findings, we distinguish between hierarchical, identificatory and moral/affective dimensions of boundary work.

On the one hand, our findings suggest that similar struggles are taking place in England and Germany between more right-wing and left-wing interpretations of who deserves solidarity. On the other hand, an examination of the affective foundations of solidarity reveals notable differences between Germany and England in the valuation of 'compassion' as a basis for solidarity claims. While in England the role of 'compassion' is at the centre of struggles over solidarity, in German discourse empathy and compassion are problematised as legitimate foundations of solidarity and play a subordinate role.

Our paper reflects on these differences by examining their political, historical and philosophical background. We conclude with an interpretation of the role of compassion for practices of solidarity inspired by the works of Arendt, Adorno and Honneth.