Solidarity reimagined in the face of global challenges

The emergence of altruistic solidarity

Bibliographic Data

ID2398513
AuthorsGiacomo Bazzani (0000-0003-0312-8221, University of Florence, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume29
Issue2
Pages295-314
Publication date2025-08-12
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueEuropean Journal of Social Theory (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1368-4310 • E-ISSN: 1461-7137
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/13684310251360994
OpenAlexW4413127580
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited65

Amid escalating global challenges, a re-examination of traditional conceptions of solidarity is increasingly urgent. This article contributes to this discourse in two ways. Firstly, it identifies emerging forms of global interdependencies that significantly differ from those underpinning traditional mechanical and organic solidarity. In response, it introduces the novel concept of 'altruistic solidarity,' emphasizing the prioritization of welfare for geographically, temporally or relationally distant outgroups. Secondly, it provides a precise analytical definition of solidarity, differentiating it clearly from related social processes such as cooperation, social capital or social cohesion. Using prosociality as the empirical criterion, this approach facilitates rigorous identification and analysis of solidaristic behavior. The article concludes by highlighting two critical research directions: the systematic analysis of global interdependencies and a comprehensive investigation into the mechanisms fostering prosocial behavior in response to global challenges

Epistemology · Face (sociological concept · Political science · Politics · Social science · Sociology · Solidarity · Law · Philosophy · Religion and Society Interactions · Religion, Society, and Development

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Open DOIOpen Access