Contentious Migrant Solidarity: Shrinking Spaces and Civil Society Contestation

The concept of solidarity has gained renewed prominence in the financial crisis and European migration politics, but its practice has become increasingly contentious. This book explores the two sides of 'contentious solidarity: a shrinking civic space and its contestation by civil society. It identifies the various repressive means employed by governmental and non-governmental bodies against migrant solidarity and how civil society organizations react to these restrictions. The diagnosis of 'contentious solidarity' is located within two broader trends affecting the relationship between the state and civil society in a neoliberal context.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In the realm of both the financial crisis and the crisis of European migration politics, the concept of solidarity has experienced a resurgence in prominence, and as this book contends, its practice has become increasingly contentious. Intertwining crises have deepened social and political divisions, simultaneously shrinking the space for migrant and minority rights as well as the rights associated with political dissent.

Drawing upon social movement and migration studies, this book explores the dual aspects of "contentious solidarity": the shrinking civic space and its contestation by civil society. Through this comprehensive examination, the book uncovers the diverse range of repressive measures employed by governmental and non-governmental bodies against migrant solidarity, while also examining how civil society organizations respond to these restrictions, ranging from moderation to heightened contention.

The diagnosis of "contentious solidarity" is situated within two broader trends that have impacted the relationship between the state and civil society in a neoliberal context, particularly since the financial crisis. These trends include the erosion of trust between the state and citizens and the rise of populist movements that challenge established political norms.

By bridging the fields of social movement studies and civil society organizations, this volume makes a significant contribution to ongoing discussions on the repression of social movements and the blurring of boundaries between civil society organizations. With its broad scope and the urgent relevance of the issues it addresses, this volume will appeal to a wide academic and non-academic audience.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367538347