Solidarity: Difference between revisions

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

CSV import
CSV import
 
Line 1: Line 1:
'''Solidarity''' is a principle, value, or social movement that emphasizes community and mutual aid. Originating in social and political theory, the term solidarity is often used in the context of labor movements and trade unions. It is also a significant concept in Catholic social teaching.
{{Short description|Concept of unity and mutual support}}
[[File:The_hand_that_will_rule_the_world.jpg|thumb|Solidarity depicted as a powerful force]]


== History ==
'''Solidarity''' is a concept that refers to the unity and mutual support within a group, often in the context of shared interests, objectives, or standards. It is a fundamental principle in social and political movements, emphasizing the importance of collective action and cooperation among individuals and groups.


The concept of [[solidarity]] has roots in pre-industrial societies, where communal work was a necessity for survival. In the 19th century, solidarity became a central theme in the labor movement, with the formation of trade unions and labor parties advocating for workers' rights.
==Definition and Origins==
Solidarity is derived from the Latin word ''solidus'', meaning "whole" or "undivided." It signifies a bond of unity between individuals, united by common goals or interests. Historically, the concept has been central to various social movements, including labor unions, civil rights movements, and political organizations.


== Solidarity in Social and Political Theory ==
==Philosophical Foundations==
The philosophical underpinnings of solidarity can be traced back to the works of [[Émile Durkheim]], a French sociologist who emphasized the role of social cohesion in maintaining societal order. Durkheim distinguished between "mechanical solidarity," found in traditional societies where individuals share similar values and beliefs, and "organic solidarity," characteristic of modern societies where individuals are interdependent due to specialized roles.


In social and political theory, solidarity is often associated with the idea of social cohesion, derived from individuals' connections with each other. French sociologist [[Émile Durkheim]] differentiated between "mechanical" and "organic" solidarity in his 1893 work ''The Division of Labor in Society''. Mechanical solidarity, according to Durkheim, is a form of social cohesion that arises when people in a society maintain similar values and beliefs. Organic solidarity, on the other hand, arises from the interdependence that results from the specialization of work and the complementarities between people.
==Solidarity in Social Movements==
Solidarity has played a crucial role in numerous social movements throughout history. It is often seen as a driving force behind collective action, enabling groups to achieve common goals. For example, the [[Solidarity (Polish trade union)|Solidarity movement]] in Poland was instrumental in challenging the communist regime in the 1980s, leading to significant political change.


== Solidarity in Labor Movements ==
[[File:Helsingin_Kaupunginteatteri_solidarity_for_Ukraine_RL-220309-2215.jpg|thumb|left|Solidarity for Ukraine, a modern example of international support]]


In the context of labor movements, solidarity is the principle of unity among individuals with a common interest, leading to collective action for mutual benefit. The slogan "an injury to one is an injury to all" encapsulates this idea. The [[International Workers' Association]], founded in 1922, adopted the principle of solidarity in its preamble, stating that "the emancipation of the workers is not a local or national problem, but a social problem that involves all humanity".
==International Solidarity==
International solidarity involves support and cooperation across national boundaries. It is often seen in humanitarian efforts, where countries and organizations come together to provide aid and support to those in need. A contemporary example is the global solidarity shown towards Ukraine in response to geopolitical tensions, as depicted in the image of solidarity for Ukraine.


== Solidarity in Catholic Social Teaching ==
==Solidarity in Labor Movements==
In the context of labor movements, solidarity is a key principle that unites workers in their struggle for better working conditions, fair wages, and labor rights. Labor unions often rely on solidarity to organize strikes and negotiate with employers, emphasizing the collective power of workers.


In Catholic social teaching, solidarity is one of the key principles. It refers to the virtue of social charity, friendship, and responsible sharing whereby the interdependence among all people is recognized. It is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good.
[[File:PraxisGermany_-_Copy.png|thumb|Solidarity in action during a labor movement]]


== See also ==
==Challenges to Solidarity==
* [[Trade union]]
Despite its importance, solidarity faces several challenges. These include cultural and ideological differences, economic disparities, and political divisions that can hinder collective action. Additionally, globalization and technological advancements have transformed the nature of work and social interactions, posing new challenges to traditional forms of solidarity.
* [[Social movement]]
* [[Catholic social teaching]]


[[Category:Social theories]]
==Related Pages==
[[Category:Political theories]]
* [[Social cohesion]]
* [[Labor union]]
* [[Civil rights movement]]
* [[International relations]]
 
[[Category:Social concepts]]
[[Category:Political movements]]
[[Category:Labor]]
[[Category:Labor]]
[[Category:Catholic social teaching]]
{{stub}}
<gallery>
File:The_hand_that_will_rule_the_world.jpg|Solidarity
File:Helsingin_Kaupunginteatteri_solidarity_for_Ukraine_RL-220309-2215.jpg|Solidarity for Ukraine
File:PraxisGermany_-_Copy.png|Solidarity
</gallery>
<gallery>
File:The hand that will rule the world.jpg|Solidarity
File:Helsingin Kaupunginteatteri solidarity for Ukraine RL-220309-2215.jpg|Solidarity
File:PraxisGermany - Copy.png|Solidarity
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 11:18, 23 March 2025

Concept of unity and mutual support


Solidarity depicted as a powerful force

Solidarity is a concept that refers to the unity and mutual support within a group, often in the context of shared interests, objectives, or standards. It is a fundamental principle in social and political movements, emphasizing the importance of collective action and cooperation among individuals and groups.

Definition and Origins[edit]

Solidarity is derived from the Latin word solidus, meaning "whole" or "undivided." It signifies a bond of unity between individuals, united by common goals or interests. Historically, the concept has been central to various social movements, including labor unions, civil rights movements, and political organizations.

Philosophical Foundations[edit]

The philosophical underpinnings of solidarity can be traced back to the works of Émile Durkheim, a French sociologist who emphasized the role of social cohesion in maintaining societal order. Durkheim distinguished between "mechanical solidarity," found in traditional societies where individuals share similar values and beliefs, and "organic solidarity," characteristic of modern societies where individuals are interdependent due to specialized roles.

Solidarity in Social Movements[edit]

Solidarity has played a crucial role in numerous social movements throughout history. It is often seen as a driving force behind collective action, enabling groups to achieve common goals. For example, the Solidarity movement in Poland was instrumental in challenging the communist regime in the 1980s, leading to significant political change.

Solidarity for Ukraine, a modern example of international support

International Solidarity[edit]

International solidarity involves support and cooperation across national boundaries. It is often seen in humanitarian efforts, where countries and organizations come together to provide aid and support to those in need. A contemporary example is the global solidarity shown towards Ukraine in response to geopolitical tensions, as depicted in the image of solidarity for Ukraine.

Solidarity in Labor Movements[edit]

In the context of labor movements, solidarity is a key principle that unites workers in their struggle for better working conditions, fair wages, and labor rights. Labor unions often rely on solidarity to organize strikes and negotiate with employers, emphasizing the collective power of workers.

Solidarity in action during a labor movement

Challenges to Solidarity[edit]

Despite its importance, solidarity faces several challenges. These include cultural and ideological differences, economic disparities, and political divisions that can hinder collective action. Additionally, globalization and technological advancements have transformed the nature of work and social interactions, posing new challenges to traditional forms of solidarity.

Related Pages[edit]