ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the topic of dignity, examining the ideal of equality in human dignity as proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in light of what the sociology of emotions tells about the processes by which human dignity, particularly inequalities in human dignity, are normally maintained. The sociology of emotions focuses on the concept of dignity rather than emotional dimensions of rights. It defines dignity in a weak sense, the norm of dignity maintenance is not incompatible with treating people with varying levels of respect and regard depending on power, status, or resources. It concentrates on work of the founders of the contemporary sociology of emotions in thinking about the emotional dimensions of inequalities of dignity. If human dignity is a universal ideal, the sociology of emotions shows that the emotional culture of a particular time, place, and social group determines the range of emotional expression and emotional experience that is considered compatible with human dignity.
