Reluctant solidarity

Abstract

The World Bank, the United Nations, some NGOs, as well as some of the research on development, portray solidarity as a warm, supportive, and uncomplicated practice. Too easily they emphasize how creative, supportive, and full of agency the poor are, particularly women. This article will dispute such a romantic notion of solidarity and social relations in general. Based on extensive research in a township of Cape Town, South Africa, it becomes clear why ambivalence is crucial to an appropriate analysis of solidarity. When a disrespected and disrespectful woman dies of AIDS, immediately conflicts emerge among neighbours and relatives about organizing mutual support. This study reveals how fierce disputes over inclusion, respect, and mutual support are the materials of solidarity.