Solidarity as a System of Norms

Abstract

Although solidarity is a key issue in sociology, surprisingly little attention has been given to the question of what constitutes solidarity from a sociological perspective. In this article, I suggest a concept of solidarity which can be used as a general framework for theoretical and empirical investigations. The central idea is that solidarity norms make up the core of the concept. Solidarity norms demand from their addressees that they transfer resources without compensation either to a collective or to individuals. I present the argument that there are two levels of solidarity to be distinguished: (1) the level of social systems where solidarity manifests itself in efficacious solidarity norms and (2) the level of individuals where solidarity manifests itself in a commitment towards solidarity norms. I differentiate between four universal solidarity norms which can be found in social associations on every level of social aggregation: collective good, distribution, support, and loyalty norms.