The 3 Types Of Solidarity (explained And With Examples)
Solidarity is a concept that we can understand from different perspectives. At first glance, one could think that it is an essential value that all human beings share based on their nature. This can be seen through the support of others that is given through words and actions.
On the other hand, solidarity can imply empathy with those who are similar to the group to which the subject belongs, but at the same time it can imply going beyond differences, connecting with people of different ethnicity, social class, or nationality, among other characteristics.
Next, an exploration of the history of this concept will be carried out and we will see what the different types of solidarity that we can observe in everyday life.
Solidarity is a concept deeply rooted in human connection and mutual support, emphasizing unity and cooperation among individuals or groups, especially in times of adversity or struggle. It embodies the idea of standing together in solidarity, offering assistance, empathy, and collective action to address shared challenges and achieve common goals. Here, we explore the concept of solidarity in more detail, along with examples of how it manifests in various contexts.
Solidarity goes beyond mere sympathy or compassion; it involves a sense of shared identity and collective responsibility. It is based on the recognition that we are all interconnected and interdependent, and that our well-being is intertwined with that of others. Solidarity implies a willingness to support and advocate for the interests of others, even when they may differ from our own.
What is solidarity?
The concept of solidarity begins to develop from the legal field in moral and social philosophy. Various philosophers worked around this concept, such as Cicero, Aristotle, the Stoics, the scholastic tradition, Rosseau, the English school of ethics of sympathy, among others.
Solidarity has a fundamental origin related to law with the concept in solidum, which means the legal obligation of a relationship where all debtors must respond for the debt or commitment they have acquired. From this concept, the nature of solidarity begins to become evident, where everyone takes responsibility for the individual, and where the individual takes responsibility for everyone. One could then think that solidarity expresses two things at the same time: the union and connection between people and the individual reciprocal responsibility for each one and for the whole.
The concept of solidarity It was also studied by the author Peter Kropotkin, who stated that solidarity arises in the context of cooperation in societies, which becomes fundamental for the survival of any society and species. For this author, solidarity is a fundamental component of mutual aid. For the author, solidarity is not something that is born from the desire for retribution but from an instinctive desire to help other people.
However, one of the main influencers of the development of this concept was David Émile Durkheim who allows us to understand that solidarity is ambiguous in two senses: on the one hand, it is a social fact, while on the other it can be conceived as an ideological aspiration.
This concept of solidarity goes beyond the traditional notion of the concept as something that is demonstrated through actions and words, being also something that is necessary to maintain society and that can be seen reflected in the actions and moments in which which one would think that solidarity itself does not exist, for example, in robberies, murders, or acts of corruption. These actions and moments make it possible to make visible the true principles that generate cohesion within society and for which we want to work.
The most important types of solidarity
The development of the concept of solidarity by Durkheim allows us to understand various types of solidarity that will be explored below.
1. Mechanical solidarity
Mechanical solidarity is the type of solidarity that exists in simpler, pre-modern societies where individuals have similar roles, values, and beliefs. In these societies, people bond over shared traditions, customs, and routines. The collective conscience is strong, meaning that people think alike and have a deep sense of social cohesion based on sameness.
Characteristics of Mechanical Solidarity:
Based on shared traditions and beliefs.
Strong collective conscience.
Little individualism, with roles often being the same or very similar.
Seen in small or rural communities.
Example of Mechanical Solidarity:
Imagine a small farming village where everyone knows each other and contributes to the community in a similar way. Most people grow crops, tend animals, and follow the same cultural traditions and values. In this environment, people are united by their similar way of life and shared goals, such as ensuring a good harvest for the entire village.
In this scenario, mechanical solidarity keeps the community together because everyone’s daily lives are interconnected, and they rely on one another to survive.
2. Organic solidarity
Unlike mechanical solidarity, organic solidarity exists in more complex, modern societies where people have diverse roles and responsibilities. In these societies, individuals are more specialized in their work, and people depend on each other because of their differences. Organic solidarity arises from this interdependence, where each person or group contributes something unique to society, making the whole system function smoothly.
Characteristics of Organic Solidarity:
Based on specialization and division of labor.
People are interdependent due to their differences, not similarities.
Stronger focus on individualism.
Found in industrialized and urban societies.
Example of Organic Solidarity:
Consider a bustling city where people work in specialized roles, such as doctors, teachers, shopkeepers, and factory workers. Each person has a different job, but they rely on others to fulfill their needs. For instance, the doctor relies on the farmer for food, and the farmer might rely on the doctor for healthcare. This mutual dependence creates social cohesion, even though people’s roles and lives are vastly different.
In this context, organic solidarity holds society together through the complex web of relationships and interdependencies, ensuring that everyone contributes to the greater good in their own way.
3. Solidaristic solidarity
Solidaristic solidarity is the form of solidarity that arises when people come together for a common cause, often in social movements or collective action. Unlike mechanical or organic solidarity, solidaristic solidarity is not based on shared roles or interdependence but on a shared purpose or goal. This can include fighting for justice, human rights, or societal change. People unite based on their common desire to address a specific issue, even if they come from different backgrounds or walks of life.
Characteristics of Solidaristic Solidarity:
Based on a shared cause or purpose.
People may come from diverse backgrounds but unite for collective action.
Often seen in social movements or protests.
Focused on achieving a specific outcome or change.
Think of a civil rights movement where people from all walks of life join together to advocate for equal treatment and justice. While participants may have different jobs, beliefs, or social roles, they are united by their shared desire to challenge injustice. In this case, solidaristic solidarity forms because of the common goal to create a more equitable society.
Why is it socially important to promote solidarity between people?
Based on the various problems currently presented in relation to racism, xenophobia, homophobia, and internal armed conflicts that various countries suffer, the importance of the value of solidarity for today’s society stands out.
Solidarity becomes an element that is shown through actions that contribute to the well-being of people with whom similar characteristics are shared, but It also begins to be visible to the extent to which it works for the well-being of people who do not necessarily share characteristics with us from actions that arise from our daily and professional work, as well as on other occasions this solidarity emerges voluntarily towards people or situations in which it appears “innately”.
The issue of solidarity becomes important in contexts such as the conflict that places like Afghanistan are currently experiencing and the international reaction developed to it. This type of situations makes it possible to think about Durkheim’s approaches, who establishes that the critical situations that occur in societies make it possible to rescue the principles that govern them or to which they are ideally oriented, in this case, a principle of solidarity.
The Solidarity It can also be seen in the midst of the creation of social groups that seek the mutual protection of their members that they have been affected by specific conditions in which the effects have been similar for the subjects; for example in the case of workers who have been affected by the same regimes in societies, or people who have experienced similar treatment as a result of their ethnicity, culture, or sexual orientation.
In these cases, solidarity functions as mutual support and a way to generate well-being among each other to maintain themselves in hostile contexts, thus giving rise to the potential development of collectives and social movements.
The theme of solidarity It also acquires importance in relation to bioethics, where solidarity not only extends to human beings but also begins to include animals and plants, reinforcing the importance of treatment based on the Kantian principle. This concept would also be expanded around human beings, thus being one of the pillars of this field today. Some people who have currently worked on bioethics point out its importance to the extent that it allows us to focus on the human being as a person and his dignity, it allows us to place ourselves in the position of the other person and in our own suffering and experience. , highlighting the importance of connecting solidarity together with the responsibility we have towards others.
Another important way in which solidarity could be identified and its importance currently highlighted is in the context of the Covid pandemic, where the development of various solidarity actions is necessary, which can range from the development of personal practices of individual isolation to avoid contagion of close people, as well as it can also be manifested at a much more general level in the context of international collaboration to comply with the vaccination of the world population.
Examples of Solidarity
Social Movements
Social movements often emerge as expressions of solidarity, as individuals come together to address systemic injustices and advocate for social change. For example, the civil rights movement in the United States brought together people from diverse backgrounds to challenge racial segregation and discrimination, demonstrating solidarity in the fight for equality and justice.
Labor unions exemplify solidarity among workers, who band together to advocate for better wages, working conditions, and benefits. Through collective bargaining and collective action, union members demonstrate their solidarity with one another, leveraging their collective power to negotiate with employers and improve their livelihoods.
Humanitarian Aid
In times of natural disasters, conflicts, or humanitarian crises, solidarity often manifests through international aid efforts. Countries, organizations, and individuals come together to provide assistance, resources, and support to affected communities, demonstrating solidarity with those in need regardless of geographic or cultural boundaries.
Community Support
Solidarity is evident in local communities that rally together to support neighbors facing hardship or adversity. Whether it’s organizing food drives, offering shelter to the homeless, or providing emotional support to individuals in crisis, communities demonstrate solidarity by coming together to address the needs of their members and foster a sense of belonging and mutual care.
Global Solidarity Movements
In an increasingly interconnected world, solidarity extends beyond national borders to encompass global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and human rights violations. Global solidarity movements, such as the environmental movement or the movement for global health equity, unite people across continents and cultures in the pursuit of shared goals and values.
Solidarity is a powerful force that brings people together in unity, empathy, and collective action. Whether in social movements, labor unions, humanitarian aid efforts, community support initiatives, or global solidarity movements, the concept of solidarity underscores the importance of mutual support, cooperation, and shared responsibility. By fostering solidarity in our communities and societies, we can build a more compassionate, equitable, and resilient world for all.
How Solidarity Shapes Society
Solidarity plays a crucial role in shaping the social fabric of any community or society. Each type of solidarity offers a unique way for individuals to connect with each other, whether through shared traditions, interdependent roles, or collective goals. Understanding these types of solidarity helps us recognize how societies function and maintain cohesion, even in the face of diversity.
Solidarity, in its various forms, is a powerful force that holds people together in different ways. From the shared customs of traditional societies to the mutual interdependence in modern economies, and finally to the collective action of social movements, solidarity is a key element in how individuals relate to one another and work together for common goals. Whether it’s through mechanical, organic, or solidaristic solidarity, the bonds that unite us shape our relationships, communities, and societies.
FAQs
What is the main difference between mechanical and organic solidarity?
Mechanical solidarity is based on shared roles and values in simpler societies, while organic solidarity is found in complex societies where people are interdependent due to specialized roles.
How does solidaristic solidarity differ from the other types?
Solidaristic solidarity arises from a shared purpose or cause, such as in social movements, rather than shared roles or interdependence like mechanical or organic solidarity.
Can different types of solidarity exist within the same society?
Yes, it’s possible for different types of solidarity to exist within the same society, especially in modern, diverse societies where various groups may exhibit mechanical, organic, or solidaristic solidarity depending on the context.
What are some modern examples of solidaristic solidarity?
Modern examples include environmental movements, civil rights protests, and labor strikes, where people unite to advocate for social change or address a common issue.
Why is solidarity important for social cohesion?
Solidarity is crucial for social cohesion because it fosters a sense of unity and mutual support, helping individuals and groups work together toward common goals and overcome challenges.
