Solidarity: A Key Concept for Social Work

Abstract

This paper advocates an understanding of solidarity that is emancipatory, planetary, self-reflective and aimed at social justice. As global problems such as climate change, war and poverty worsen, it argues that solidarity should be a key concept of social work in the 21st century. It is then social work's task, as a discipline, profession and field of education, to promote solidary alliances with those conventionally considered to be research subjects, addressees or learners and with the planet itself. These alliances can be brought together under the heading of convivialism, envisioning and enabling a progression from criticising exclusion to achieving the real utopia of an international community based on solidarity. Convivialist ideas see themselves as an alternative to neoliberalism, and aim to transform social conditions, increasing inclusion and sustainability.