Backsliding democracy? A political sociology perspective

This section scrutinizes the multifaceted dimensions of backsliding democracy through a political sociology lens, addressing the global trend of concern and its implications for democratic systems in Europe and beyond. By examining factors such as identities, the pandemic, ongoing wars, environmental sustainability, and shifts in the world of work, we aim to unravel the complex web contributing to our understanding of this phenomenon. Democracy faces threats both internally and externally. Internally, our exploration centres around the theme of identities and identity politics. In particular, the resurgence and broad success of far-right, right-wing, and populist actors, coupled with the intricate relationships between multiple identities, poses a significant risk to the basis of representative democracies. Examining the impact of diverse and overlapping identities at individual, societal, and global levels on democratic processes, we seek to identify instances where these identities either facilitate democratic backsliding or act as catalysts for resilience and progress. We therefore delve into the dynamics of identity politics, including national populism mobilizations, with a particular focus on anti-pluralist attitudes and the relationship between populism and conspiracy theories. How do populist parties in government impact the European Union? In which ways do populism and conspiracy threaten the basis of democratic polities? Externally, not only European democracies face what has been defined as a "polycrisis", but have also do deal with two strong transformative forces: the digital and environmental transitions. While these transitions hold potential benefits for democracy, they also present threats. Therefore, we address the pressing issues of sustainability and climate change, examining the role of governments in exacerbating or addressing environmental challenges. The discussion encompasses instances where governments may act irresponsibly, suppressing environmental protests or prioritizing short-term gains over long-term environmental stability, leading to democratic decline. Moreover, we plan to inquire into how political sociology engages with environmental protection and degradation. Simultaneously, the impact of the digital transition on the evolving world of work is a crucial aspect that demands attention. The transformations in labour dynamics, marked by automation, the rise of gig economies, and shifts in workplace structures, carry profound implications for democratic systems. Our examination seeks to determine whether these changes empower or disempower citizens in their engagement with democratic processes. How do economic disparities and workplace inequalities contribute to democratic backsliding? Finally, a pivotal question emerges: how is Europe responding to democratic backsliding? To develop this inquiry, we delve into the specific strategies, policies, and initiatives undertaken by European nations and the EU to counteract democratic decline. We critically assess the effectiveness of these responses and explore potential areas for improvement or further intervention. In conclusion, the comprehensive analyses in this section endeavor to enrich our comprehension of the challenges confronting contemporary democracies through the lens of political sociology. By shedding light on the intricate interplay of various factors, from identity politics to environmental transitions and digital transformations, our exploration seeks to provide an integrated and multi-disciplinary perspective. Consequently, this section invites panel proposals from various disciplinary angles and multiple methodologies. It is important to note that the mentioned themes serve as illustrative examples. We welcome contributions on a wide spectrum of topics pertaining to democratic erosion. By engaging in a comprehensive analysis of these themes, this section aims to provide fresh insights and critical perspectives on the challenges that democratic governance faces in the contemporary world, contributing to a deeper understanding of the intricate dynamics that shape the future of democracy. Potential panel topics and chairs: ▪️ Pulling democracy up by its bootstraps? Or why contemporary democracy is so complicated ▪️ Anti-pluralist attitudes and social cleavages in comparative perspective? ▪️ Populist parties in power and their impact on the EU ▪️ Conspiracy and populism in a post-truth era ▪️ Territorial politics and polycrisis in European democracies ▪️ The political sociology of environmental degradation and protection ▪️ Sustainable democracies: opportunities and pitfalls of democratic polities in addressing global environmental challenges ▪️ Experiences in the world of work and political attitudes ▪️ EU’s responses to democratic backsliding