Working Paper on public policies in relation to solidarity and spatial cohesion/divide: Denmark

Aim of this paper is to outline solidarity structures, practices and culture in Denmark, focussing on vertical and horizontal solidarity within the policy areas of housing, health, education, employment and civic engagement. After a brief description of the historical evolution of the concept of solidarity in Denmark we will focus on its institutional embeddedness in public welfare policy; the relation between unemployment and solidarity; and how different political coalitions have influenced the notion of solidarity in Danish society, taking into account disruptive events such as the financial crisis and increase in immigration. However, the paper will not go into a philosophical discussion on solidarity in Denmark, but rather describe policies and political structures in which spatial solidarity is significantly present.