The Concept of Solidarity and its Relationship with the Development of the Modern Welfare State in Europe

Mgr. Matthew C. Rees, B.A.

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Abstract The growth of the Social Welfare State in Europe is a long history connected with national feelings of solidarity – or more accurately, a few “solidarities.” Solidarity is the moral justification of what has come to be known as “social justice.” These feelings of solidarity or collective action are preceded by a certain group identity, generally formed by a common outside threat. A collective identity, with its resulting feelings of obligation and sympathy, is to be found in two particular aspects of European history – Christian ethics and the labor movement. Solidarity has thus been developed in two ways: first, through a “liberal” or “secular” tradition initiated by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, further elaborated by Karl Marx, and finally institutionalized by T. H. Marshall; and second, by the current of Christian social teaching typified by Leo XIII, as well as by Christian democratic parties. The welfare state is of course not exclusively a result of solidarity, but it is impossible to have one so developed without this feeling. The influence of Christian social teaching, liberalism, and socialism have all affected the welfare states in Western European nations in different ways, and the way in which these traditions have developed have determined how the individual welfare state operates. The concept of “social rights” has also contributed to this idea of social solidarity, and thus property rights and civil rights frequently conflict with solidarity as a justification of the welfare state.

Keywords

Christian social teaching, civil rights, Leo XIII, T.H. Marshall, Marx, Rousseau, social democracy, social rights, solidarity, welfare state, křesťanský sociální etika, občanské prava, sociální demokratie, sociální prava, solidarita, sociální stát

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 22. 1. 2008

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 21. 1. 2008
• Supervisor: PhDr. Pavel Pšeja, Ph.D.
• Reader: doc. PhDr. Ing. Ondřej Císař, Ph.D.

Masaryk University

Faculty of Social Studies

Master programme / field:
Political Science / European Politics (Eng.)