Navigating Dignity in Social Systems: A Comparative Ethnography of Rural Denmark, France, and the United States

This paper examines how social systems in Denmark, France, and the United States shape the daily experiences of dignity and indignity for unemployed individuals in rural areas. Through a comparative ethnographic study, we explore how systemic support or neglect, at both interpersonal and policy levels, influences personal perceptions of worth, recognition, and societal inclusion. By focusing on two key dimensions—everyday relational encounters with welfare institutions (such as direct interactions with social workers or volunteers) and invisible meetings with policy structures (such as unemployment benefits and healthcare accessibility)—this study investigates how these systems impact the everyday lives of unemployed individuals.

The paper draws from a year-long field study following the daily experiences of 5-7 unemployed individuals in each country, exploring the relational dynamics of support and neglect. In Denmark, participants describe feeling scrutinised and over-controlled by a system that mistrusts them, while in France, they express feelings of being overlooked. In the United States, the welfare system's absence, both materially and in terms of expectations, results in a sense of disconnection and societal neglect. Additionally, the study considers differences in who provides care—whether social workers, volunteers, or informal networks—and how these roles vary across the three countries.

Our research examines the intersection of social systems to shed light on broader social justice issues in the Anthropocene. It highlights how systems of support and neglect impact individual experiences of (in)dignity and society's ability to provide fair and equitable care. The chapter also explores how different welfare and healthcare models shape our understanding of justice and social support, contributing to critical sociological debates about worth, recognition, and how we live together in a time of significant societal change.