On the importance of solidarity for transforming social systems towards sustainability

Abstract

As climate change continues to become an increasing threat on top of existing global inequalities and injustices, establishing a common future for humankind becomes more challenging. Solidarity comprises the human ideals of cohesion, equality, and camaraderie and is thus an important principle for facing global challenges together. In addition to pro-environmental attitudes, a solidarity orientation could play a decisive role in enabling climate-friendly action (e.g., with an assumed link to collective efficacy beliefs). The present study was aimed at investigating the potential of such a construct in the context of sustainable behavior. In addition to intent, we also considered self-reported measures of impactful pro-environmental behaviors. To determine how solidarity could be measured and classified (reliability, validity), we conducted Study 1 (N1 = 700). The validated measure was then used (Study 2, N2 = 294) to test how solidarity as value relates to impactful behavior, beliefs and donation intentions in sustainable investments, and collective efficacy beliefs. Results showed significant positive relationships between the new construct of solidarity and pro-environmental behaviors and collective efficacy beliefs. In conclusion, appealing to people's solidarity values might be an additional way to motivate them to take action to protect the climate and may thus forge a new path not yet taken to move toward a common sustainable future.