Elements of epistemology for the study of solidarity

Abstract

The article proposes to discuss the theme of solidarity by relating it to changes in society, therefore, an overview will be offered of the dynamics and challenges - in relation to solidarity - that evolve due to the continuous changes in society, in a repeating circle. The idea is, therefore, to constitute a reflection on solidarity, using a metatheoretical approach suitable for so-called second-order studies such as the one presented here. The article develops from the problematisation of the definition of this concept, from a brief history of the idea of solidarity to arrive at epistemological aspects for the study of solidarity, which, beyond the individual declinations of it, allows us to explore the processes that take place on different levels (individual, social and cultural) for individuals whenever they interact with other individuals or with structures of society. The results arrived at by this theoretical study highlight the need to take into account the following changes occurring in society (a) the modification of risk maps that leads to the demand for new interventions to meet the renewed system of needs; (b) the emergence of the relationality dimension as an area of social distress; (c) the relativisation of knowledge that is often challenged by the information provided by the mass media; and, finally, (d) the non-linear development of social dynamics and technological transformations, which make it mandatory to update, innovate and modify knowledge to face the continuous challenges of society.