Selfless support, empathy and altruism are necessary for solidarity to exist.
Solidarity is a concept from the Latin term soliditas , which referred to a homogeneous, entire and united reality where the elements that made up that whole were of the same nature .
In this way, the notion of solidarity describes the circumstantial adherence to a cause or to third-party projects. It is commonly used to name an action with a generous or well-intentioned profile . In any case, its etymological root refers to in-solidum behavior; That is, the destinies of two or more people are linked. Therefore, being a caring person is not limited to offering help, but implies a commitment to the person you are trying to help.
True solidarity
The most basic sense of solidarity assumes that it develops without distinction, limits or conditions of sex, race, nationality, religion or political affiliation. The only purpose of solidarity can be aimed at human beings in a state of need . In any case, the use of the term has been distorted by the abuse of political discourse and so-called solidarity marketing .
True solidarity is helping someone without receiving anything in return and without anyone knowing. Being supportive is, in its essence, being selfless . That is why it is stated that solidarity is moved only by the conviction of justice and equality .
Solidarity can materialize in charitable actions, charity campaigns and volunteer work.
The philosophy of the Christian conception
It was Christian theology that adopted these precepts for the first time when referring to the group of human beings, equal to each other because they are children of God and united in the bonds of a society . The first Christian community was based on this concept and in it fraternity was fundamental, prompting them to seek the good of all those who were part of the group.
From the philosophical point of view of the Christian conception of a society, solidarity is the way in which a group must be organized politically and socially, where the main purpose is the well-being of each and every one of the individuals that make it up. Solidarity is the fundamental element to achieve the development of a healthy social doctrine and must always occupy a special space in everyday life. The common good, authority and subsidiarity are also the foundations of all social philosophy: without them a society could never move towards a goal of collective benefit.
Whoever provides assistance or collaboration to others without asking for anything in return demonstrates their solidarity.
Solidarity in law
For its part, the science of law uses this term to refer to an individual framed in a legally homogeneous group, with univocal assets and rights. In this case, solidarity includes a high responsibility of each individual with respect to the whole.
The law considers that solidarity is also fundamental for a society to progress, since it is the way in which rights and obligations are balanced and harmony is found.
The globalist vision
Today, in turn, the concept has taken on a globalist social dimension . The possibility of understanding what is happening in all corners of the planet and the relationships between different countries have led to the creation of a collective consciousness where people in solidarity are those who fight against social injustices in any aspect (poverty, hunger, sexual discrimination, etc.) in pursuit of a more united and peaceful world.
But it is necessary to clarify that solidarity today is not understood as a religious term (there are those who consider that the Church is not supportive when it imposes restrictions such as marriage between homosexuals or any project where the dignity of the person is not respected above all). , but it has to do with the very nature of the human species because it reflects the conception of social life, brotherhood and the sense of community . Solidarity is not an action reserved for the virtuous, it is a task for all human beings, in whatever society they inhabit.
For this concept to become real, it is strictly necessary that there are three components: compassion (indispensable to approach human and social reality and empathize with the pains and shortcomings of others), recognition (only recognizing human dignity in others). compassion takes on a tone of solidarity) and universality (helplessness and indigence are the qualities that can allow us to see the fundamental condition of every human being that acquires universality in life in society).
Other meanings of the term solidarity
Finally, it is worth mentioning two other meanings of the concept of solidarity, which have been important in the history of humanity.
Solidarnosc ("Solidarity" en polaco) es el nombre que recibe una federación de raíz sindical y carácter autónomo e independiente, que surgió como consecuencia de las luchas que obreros y campesinos llevaron a cabo bajo directrices de Lech Walesa. Fue establecida en September 1980 y está valorada como el mayor sindicato de todos los tiempos.
Solidarity , finally, is also the identity of a Mexican municipality that belongs to the state of Quintana Roo . It was created on July 28, 1993 , while Mario Villanueva Madrid was in power. Playa del Carmen is the main town in the region.