1. The Dignity of the Commons Re-imagining Life Experiences from the Poor & Homeless to International Politics
Fonkem Achankeng 1, PhD & Patience Fonkem, PhD
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
2016 Workshop on Transforming Humiliation and Violent Conflict 28th Annual HumanDHS Conference
Teachers College, Columbia University, New York City
Theme: The Globalization of Dignity
December 8 – 9, 2016

2. Introduction
In Ubuntu, the African thought, “I am because you are.” Without you and others I am nobody This thought forms basis of our work in the human dignity and humiliation framework Thought requires that as a human value we all care, share, and respect one another.

3. Presentation
Examines daily experiences and their motivations in a global world from the standpoint of the perceptions and meaning(s) of human dignity to different people in different societies & circumstancies. Ex: How we treat the poor & homeless in society How some political heavy weights treat others How some big & powerful countries treat smaller & weaker ones

4. Argument
In most of the globe other considerations seem to be prioritized in the everyday relationships between individuals, groups, and even nation-states. From a universal psychology of human values, we argue that different values and interests appear to be dominant in human relationships & question the meaning of human dignity to different people and different societies.

5. Psychology of Human Values
Shalom Shwartz’s 10 broad value domains
Power, achievement, hedonism, stimulation, self-direction, universalism, benevolence, tradition, conformity, and security
Schwartz argued that these values can be arranged in a circumplex way to identify even larger themes).

6. Understanding Human Values
Abstract ideals that we consider important - freedom, equality, achievement, helpfulness, security, tradition, & peace Our values are relevant to everything we do Our values are embedded in our attitudes and behavior. They affect our well-being, our relationships with other people, our prosperity, and our environment

7. Methodology
The methodology incorporated analysis of everyday life stories in the relationships between individuals, groups, and nation-states.

8. Claim
Achieving global dignity will require re-imagining a world in which we see the 'humanity of others' in our relationships, a world in which “I am what I am because of who we all are.”

9. Recommendation
That we assess the generalizability of human dignity as a value found in different societies.

10. References
Broodryk, B. (2006). Ubuntu: Life-Coping Skills from Africa, Randbury, South Africa: Knowres Publishing Schwartz, S. H. & Bilsky, W. (1990). Toward a Theory of the Universal Content and Structure of Values: Extensions and Cross-Cultural Replications. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology,53,