Solidarity reimagined in the face of global challenges: The emergence of altruistic solidarity

Abstract

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.