Understanding Solidarity and Social Justice: Barriers that Remain

Abstract

Throughout this volume, it has become clear that solidarity and social justice are necessary elements in addressing social inequalities. Yet historical and emerging societal challenges put solidarity and social justice under pressure. In this final chapter, we outline important conclusions to be drawn from this interdisciplinary look at solidarity and social justice. What do insights into stereotypes and perceptions of welfare state deservingness teach us about solidarity and social justice in contemporary societies? What fault lines are visible, and what fault lines are emerging that require more attention? Most importantly, where do we go from here? This chapter concludes this volume by connecting back to the theoretical foundations underpinning our understandings of solidarity and social justice, while looking forward to societal challenges that lay ahead.