Solidarity without limits? Institutional prerequisites and structural conditions of fair cooperation

Abstract

This paper discusses the ambivalent relationship between markets and solidarity. In contrast to the extreme positions predominantly found in the literature, which either take market exchange and solidarity to be synonymous or, conversely, deny them any convergence, the present paper deals primarily with markets’ potential for solidarity. In a first step, the concept of solidarity is specified as mutually beneficial cooperative interaction, using cooperative game theory as a theoretical framework. Subsequently, the paper discusses the socio-structural conditions which must be fulfilled for market transactions to be considered in line with solidarity. Finally, it is examined what such a socio-structural approach can bring to the discussion over cosmopolitan solidarity. It is argued that solidarity is best be understood as ensuring the structural conditions for cooperation that is socially warranted and fair.