The idea of dignity

Abstract

The aim of this article is to bring to social theorists’ attention the growing visibility of the notion of dignity within human rights legislation, bioethics and public discourse generally, as well as to evaluate this term’s potential to enhance our capacities to respond to old and new challenges. The article starts with a short presentation of the career of the concept and discussion of the various impasses and conceptual tensions connected with the notion of human dignity. It is followed by an exploration of how the idea of human dignity has become one of the main achievements of modern times. The question of how respect for human dignity has turned out to be the fundamental feature of democratic society is addressed with help from both Waldron’s perspective on human dignity as the ground of human rights and Habermas’s approach that stresses the moral content of human rights. The final part of the article examines the value of the notion of dignity for social theorizing by looking at ways the employment of the concept may contribute to sociological thought and enquiry.

Dignity‐based practices in Norwegian activation work

“…Arguing that 'dignity' is that dignity is "worthiness" or "that which is worthy of respect" is of little help, though it is easier to recognise instances of dignity being threatened or denied'. The principle of dignity has universal value, and has garnered increasing interest, not only as a key legal notion but also as a fundamental aspect of democratic society (Misztal, 2012). This approach aligns with Margalit's (1996, p. 23) understanding of 'a decent society' which '… is one whose institutions do not humiliate people'.…”

Negotiating dignity in public geography: The ethics of public engagement in pandemic times

“…Social science research which draws on the notion of dignity has variously focused on dimensions such as respect, self‐respect, recognition, belonging and self‐determination, although this list is not exhaustive (Gupta, 2006 ; Grossmann & Trubina, 2022 ). Broadly, dignity can be defined in terms of the moral status of a person, their worthiness of respect (Misztal, 2013 ). The influence of the concept is far‐reaching; innumerable legal documents posit dignity as inherent, inalienable and equal for every human being, the fundamental basis for the universal human rights framework.…”

Essential Work in the U.S. during COVID-19: Navigating Vulnerability–Sustainability Tensions

“…Workplace dignity is also communicative and relational. For example, Misztal [46], Sayer [47], and Lucas [48] suggest that social interactions are at the core of perceptions of dignity, and therefore that communicating respect on an ongoing basis is essential for establishing dignity. As such, dignity both acts as internal barometer of self-worth and is predicated on the recognition and display of the respect received from others [49].…”