Journal of the Society of Christian Ethics

Volume 39, Issue 1, Spring/Summer 2019

Tisha M. Rajendra
Pages 93-109

Burdened Solidarity
The Virtue of Solidarity in Diaspora

This paper will compare the presentation of solidarity in mainstream Christian ethics with the practices of solidarity as described in recent novels about immigrant and refugee experiences. The practice of solidarity in diaspora communities illuminates aspects of solidarity that have been hidden in mainstream Christian ethics. 1) Solidarity can be a “burdened virtue” that does not necessarily lead to flourishing. 2) Solidarity is practiced by “narrative selves” that inherit identities, relationships, and obligations.