Definition of solidarity

The word "solidarity" derives from the Latin solidāris, which means "having the same color or consistency." However, its current political and social meaning is traced back to the 19th century when workers began to unite and support each other in their struggles for better working conditions and rights. The concept of solidarity emerged as a response to the exploitation and oppression of the working class by the capitalist system. Workers recognized that their common struggle against their employers and the bourgeoisie required mutual support and shared responsibility. This idea became a rallying cry, and the word "solidarity" was used to describe the strength that comes from working hand-in-hand towards a common goal. Its first recorded use in English dates back to 1885, in an article published by the socialist newspaper The Labour Leader. Since then, the term has been used extensively in various political and social contexts as a way to express the commitment to cooperation, mutual aid, and social justice. The Polish term "solidarność," coined by the trade union Solidarity in the 1980s, became a symbol of resistance against authoritarian regimes and has inspired similar movements worldwide. Today, solidarity remains an important concept in social and political debates as a way to foster connectedness, compassion, and equality.