Sticking Together or Falling Apart? : Solidarity in an Era of Individualization and Globalization

De Beer, Paul; Koster, Ferry

ISBN 10: 9089641289 / ISBN 13: 9789089641281

Published by Routledge, 2009

About this Item

Seller Inventory # 6416833-n

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Sticking Together or Falling Apart? : Solidarity in an Era of Individualization and Globalization
• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication Date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 9089641289
• ISBN 13: 9789089641281
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

This book examines, both theoretically and empirically, the impact of globalization and individualization on social solidarity. It focuses both on informal solidarity, such as volunteering, charitable giving, and informal care, and on formal solidarity, such as social benefits and development aid. It challenges the common belief that social solidarity is endangered by the increasing competition and capital flows between countries and by growing selfishness of modern citizens. The book scrutinizes the theoretical arguments that both informal solidarity and social solidarity organized through the welfare state are eroding. Empirically, it is the first thorough study of international comparative data on solidarity, globalization and individualization. The book concludes that, overall, solidarity is rising rather than declining. The impact of globalization and individualization is much more ambiguous than is often contended. While particular aspects of globalization and individualization might harm solidarity, other elements foster solidarity instead.

About the Author

Ferry Koster is postdoctoral researcher at Leiden University.