Representaciones sociales de la solidaridad. Un estudio empirico con estudiantes universitarios

This paper analyzes the central components of the different social representations of solidarity. Solidarity arises from the impossibility of individuals acting in isolation and from an interest in developing forms of collaboration with others. That is to say, solidarity should not be confused with altruism or generosity. By means of an empirical study with university students we find that the conception of solidarity is closely tied to the conception of society. But it is also marked by the fact of membership in groups that receive social assistance and the positive/negative evaluation of those groups. Active solidarity, influence of the left and of the right, and Sarpellon’s interpretation in 1994 about the crisis of solidarity and the idea of a horizontal solidarity and a vertical solidarity are central concepts that help to understand solidarity, beyond its common meaning.