Solidarity

The psychological force that transforms individuals into communities

Solidarity is one of the most used words when talking about crises, emergencies, or inequalities, but also one of the least explored in its scientific depth. It is not just a moral value or an ethical ideal: solidarity is a complex psychological attitude and, at the same time, a powerful social mechanism. It indicates the ability to recognize others as part of a “we”, going beyond the logic of individual interest to activate behaviors of cooperationThe silent force that holds human groups together Cooperatio... More, mutual help, and shared responsibility.

From an evolutionary perspective, solidarity played a crucial role in the survival of human groups: sharing resources, protecting the most vulnerable members, and coordinating actions increased the chances of adapting to the environment. In contemporary societies, however, solidarity is no longer just a survival strategy, but a determining factor of psychological well-being and social cohesion.

Numerous studies show that people living in supportive contexts experience lower stress levels, a greater sense of security, and better mental health. At the same time, the perception of living in an indifferent or competitive society is associated with isolation, distrust, and emotional discomfort. Understanding solidarity therefore means questioning how social bonds are built, which psychological mechanisms support them, and how individual choices can have systemic effects. In this perspective, solidarity is not an occasional act, but a stable disposition that guides how we interpret the social world and our place within it.

What are the psychological roots of solidarity?

From a psychological point of view, solidarity does not arise from nothing, but is rooted in a series of cognitive and emotional processes that develop from childhood. Social neuroscienceThe human brain is one of the most complex and fascinating s... More and evolutionary psychology have identified some key mechanisms that make the emergence of supportive behaviors possible. These processes are not fixed: they can be trained, strengthened, or weakened by the social environment, education, and life experiences. To better understand them, it is useful to analyze them separately, even though in real life they operate in an integrated way:

• Affective and cognitive empathyEmpathy is a fundamental skill that allows us to connect wit... More

Empathy is the ability to perceive and understand others’ emotional states. Affective empathy allows us to “feel” another’s pain or joy, while cognitive empathy allows us to understand their perspective. Both are essential for solidarity because they reduce the psychological distance between self and other, making their needs relevant and worthy of attention.

• Sense of belonging

Humans naturally tend to form groups and identify with them. When personal identity intertwines with collective identity, the well-being of other members is perceived as connected to one’s own. This mechanism explains why solidarity is more immediate within communities perceived as “close.”

• Emotional regulation and control of selfishness

Acting in a supportive way often implies giving up an immediate advantage. The ability to regulate selfish impulses and tolerate delayed gratification is therefore an essential psychological prerequisite for authentic and lasting helping behaviors.

How does solidarity take shape in the social dimension?

While solidarity is an individual attitude at the personal level, it becomes a structure of relationships, norms, and shared practices at the social level. Social sciences show that solidarity is not only the result of personal good intentions but also the product of contexts that make it possible and encourage it. Some elements play a particularly important role in transforming individual predisposition into a collective phenomenon:

• Institutions and social policies

Welfare systems, public services, and social protection networks translate solidarity into concrete rights. When institutions function well, solidarity does not depend exclusively on the goodwill of individuals but becomes a shared and structured responsibility.

• Cultural norms and shared values

Societies that value cooperation, social justice, and inclusion tend to generate more widespread supportive behaviors. Social norms act as invisible compasses that guide what is considered appropriate or desirable.

• Social capital and trust

Mutual trust is an essential ingredient of solidarity. Where people trust each other, they are more likely to collaborate, share resources, and support each other in times of difficulty. Conversely, chronic distrust erodes bonds and fosters defensive individualism.

In this sense, solidarity is a sensitive indicator of the overall health of a society: when it decreases, it often signals deep fractures in social bonds and institutions.

Why is solidarity a key factor for global well-being?

Scientific research over the last decades has increasingly shown that solidarity benefits not only those who receive help but also those who provide it and the entire community. At the individual level, supportive behaviors are associated with greater life satisfaction, lower levels of depressionDepression is a disorder characterized by persistent sadness... More, and a more positive perception of one’s social role.

Helping others activates neurobiological circuits related to reward, such as the release of oxytocinOxytocin is a hormone produced in the brain, specifically in... More and dopamineA neurotransmitter found in the brain and central nervous sy... More, which strengthen the sense of connection and reduce stressWhat is stress? From a clinical perspective, stress is a phy... More. In the relational dimension, solidarity improves the quality of bonds, fostering more stable and reciprocal relationships. At the social level, supportive communities show a greater capacity to face collective crises, such as natural disasters or health emergencies, thanks to faster mobilization of resources and more effective communication.

Within social sciences, global well-being is now understood as the integration of psychological, social, and economic factors, all deeply influenced by the presence or absence of supportive relationships. Solidarity reduces inequalities, strengthens social cohesion, and creates environments where people can develop their potential. In this perspective, promoting solidarity is not only an ethical choice but also a strategy based on scientific evidence to improve the quality of individual and collective life.

How is solidarity built and nurtured in everyday life?

Solidarity is a psychosocial competence that can be cultivated over time. Several studies indicate that daily experiences, educational practices, and organizational contexts can significantly strengthen the propensity for solidarity. Some factors are particularly effective in transforming solidarity from an abstract principle into concrete behavior:

• Socio-emotional education

Educational programs that develop empathy, active listening, and cooperation help children and adults recognize the impact of their actions on others. Emotional learningIl termine apprendimento - con i sinonimi imparare, assimila... More creates the foundation for conscious, non-impulsive solidarity.

• Experiences of active participation

VolunteeringVolunteering is an activity of help and service carried out ... More, civic engagement, and mutual aid practices allow individuals to directly experience the value of mutual help. These experiences strengthen personal efficacy and the perception of being part of a meaningful community.

• Role models and supportive leadership

Leaders, educators, and public figures who act in a supportive manner help normalize these behaviors. Social modeling is one of the most powerful channels through which solidarity spreads.

Cultivating solidarity requires time, consistency, and favorable contexts, but the benefits extend far beyond a single act, influencing the social climate in a lasting way.

Can solidarity be a response to future challenges?

Solidarity emerges as a strategic resource for facing uncertainty in our world, marked by growing inequalities, climate change, and rapid technological transformations. Global challenges cannot be solved exclusively through individual or technocratic solutions: they require cooperation, trust, and shared responsibility.

From a psychological perspective, solidarity helps counter feelings of helplessness and collective anxietyAnxiety is an emotional response characterized by feelings o... More, offering a sense of the capacity to act together. At the social level, it fosters the creation of resilient networks capable of adapting to change without fragmenting.

Even in digital contexts, often accused of fostering isolation and polarization, new forms of solidarity emerge, such as online support communities and collective fundraising initiatives for social purposes. However, for solidarity to truly address future challenges, it must be recognized as a collective competence to be designed and supported, not as an episodic emotional reaction.

Investing in policies, education, and organizational cultures that value solidarity means strengthening the psychological and social fabric on which global well-being is based. In this perspective, solidarity emerges as an active resource of the present, capable of concretely shaping forms of social coexistence.