Paper short abstract:

The presentation challenges the negative perception of dependence, showcasing how certain relationships foster trust and reduce inequality. Drawing from research among Romanian Roma and Hungarian minorities, it highlights positive interethnic dependencies, countering prevailing stereotypes.

Paper long abstract:

Dependence is often conceptualized as a negative social relationship or social structure that involves hierarchy, dominance, and subordination. Power relations and authority are often used to maintain and reinforce inequality in hierarchical societies or communities. This type of relationship has often been associated with marginalized, poor, and highly discriminated groups, leading to their stigmatization. For instance, terms like 'welfare dependency' are often used to refer to migrants, the Roma, the poor, and so on.

In my presentation, I aim to challenge this one-sided perspective and the associated moral panic discourse. I will emphasize that not all dependent relationships are marked by subordination and exploitation. Instead, there are instances where this relationship can foster mutual trust and support, thus contributing to reducing inequality.

To support my argument, I will present the findings of ethnographic research conducted among the Romanian Roma and Hungarian minorities. I will present cases of interethnic Godparenthood or patron-client relationships that can be described as dependent relationships. These cases challenge ethnic prejudices and local ethnic hierarchy, providing a counterexample to dominant notions of dependence as an inherently exploitative construct.