Social solidarity vs reflexive solidarity Durkheim’s concept of solidarity in late modernity

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this paper is to show current understandings of solidarity rethinking the frameworks of Durkheimian concept of solidarity. To do so, first, I shortly highlight what Émile Durkheim and his contemporaries understood by solidarity to make visible the differences to current solidarity; or to current understandings of solidarity. Because to understand solidarity was not made easier by time. Though current theories are discussing weakening and transforming of solidarity, labelable by “multiple solidarity”, this paper focuses on appearing and working solidarity. Then, it means that there will be a possibility to adopt some Durkheimian conceptions in a late modern context. E.g. mechanical and organic solidarity, normative commitment and interdependency, specialising and similarity and their role in framing solidarity. Lastly, this will help to conceptualize a few thoughts on the so-called reflexive solidarity, generally admitted to late modernity, with the help of some recent and significant theories. Keywords: solidarity, late modernity, reflexive, Durkheim