Reconceptualizing solidarity as power from below

Zheng, R. (2023) Reconceptualizing solidarity as power from below. Philosophical Studies, 180(3), pp. 893-917. (doi: 10.1007/s11098-022-01845-y)

Abstract

I propose a new concept of solidarity, which I call “solidarity from below,” that highlights an aspect of solidarity widely recognized in popular uses of the term, but which has hitherto been neglected in the philosophical literature. Solidarity from below is the collective ability of otherwise powerless people to organize themselves for transformative social change. I situate this concept with respect to four distinct but intertwined questions that have motivated extant theorizing about solidarity. I explain what it means to conceptualize solidarity from below as a form of power, rather than as a feeling, disposition, duty, or scheme of social arrangements. Finally, I suggest that the moral-relational aspects of solidarity emerge secondarily from the process of collective power, and not the other way around.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This research was funded in part by a Yale-NUS Internal Grant.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Zheng, Dr Robin
• Authors: Zheng, R.
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Philosophy
• Journal Name: Philosophical Studies
• Publisher: Springer
• ISSN: 0031-8116
• ISSN (Online): 1573-0883
• Published Online: 20 July 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 The Author
• First Published: First published in Philosophical Studies 180(): 893-917
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License