In Chapter Two it was argued that human dignity derives from the innate human capacity for autonomy and mutuality. This raises the question: ‘What should be done in order to promote autonomy and mutuality?’ As far as the rationality of humans is concerned, Kant's answer – respect – is an appropriate response. As for the sociability of humans, social participation is the means to establish relationships with significant others and to be integrated into social and political life. This chapter first discusses the key factors by reference to which the extent of respect and social participation in a society can be effectively assessed. It then goes on to justify the choice of China, Hong Kong, the UK and Sweden as case studies in which the dignity of unemployed workers is compared.

Respect and social participation

Respect and social participation are crucial to promoting human autonomy and mutuality. Downie and Telfer (1969, p 16) emphasise that we have to respect a person for ‘those features which make him what he is as a person and which, when developed, constitute his flourishing’. For Kant, respect is specifically associated with the rationality of humans. He (1964, p 105) points out that ‘The principle “So act in relation to every rational being (both to yourself and to others) that he may at the same time count in your maxim as an end in himself “ is thus at the bottom the same as the principle’. According to Sullivan (1989, p 78), for Kant ‘[r]espect is an attitude due equally to every person, simply because each is a person, a rational being capable of self-determination, regardless of social position, occupational role, learning, wealth, or any other special qualities he or she may or may not possess’. In other words, a person should be treated as an equal and a capable individual. Also, we should not pursue our own interests at the expense of others. Instead, it is our duty to help develop the rational capacity of other people. Thus, equal treatment and rational development are the logical working out of this notion of respect.

Social participation is a means to develop the social capacity of humans. It is a process through which people utilise their sociability to fulfil social roles, and establish essential relationships with significant others as well as social and political institutions, being sufficiently integrated into the social world.