This exposition of the development of the concept of solidarity cannot be concluded without some remarks about the prospects of the phenomenon of solidarity in the first decade of the twenty-first century. This final chapter discusses the prospects for solidarity defined in the way proposed in Chapter 9 –a broad and inclusive solidarity, not built upon sameness or homogeneity, but on the acceptance of difference, on political altruism and empathy. What are the challenges that confront this kind of solidarity? Four types of challenges will be discussed: the erosion of the class foundation of solidarity, increasing individualism and consumerism, worries that the welfare state undermines solidarity, and the effects of what is often referred to as globalisation.

First concern: the class foundation of solidarity

As emphasised in Chapter 2, the labour movement idea of solidarity was necessary in order to overcome working-class fragmentation. Chapter 5 concluded with the assertion that the concept of solidarity emerged and was most strongly developed in nations where the working class was homogeneous and where different religious and ethnic loyalties did not create cleavages. Neither the idea nor the phenomenon of solidarity reflects social structure in a mechanistic way, but some social structures favour both while others counteract them. Today, social scientists frequently express their concerns about the changes in the social and class-related foundations for solidarity.