Professor Dr. Amjad Khaberni
The importance of talking about social solidarity increases in times dominated by economic and psychological pressures, and where the sense of individual and collective security recedes. Solidarity is not just a moral value or a slogan raised on occasions, but a daily behavior that determines the community's ability to withstand pressures. Hence, the importance of this approach arises, as it redefines solidarity as a calm practice that protects the social fabric, not as a temporary emotional discourse.
The idea here stems from the observation that the most impactful forms of solidarity are those that are not often seen. Communities do not bond through seasonal campaigns alone, but through small repeated acts performed by people out of a sense of responsibility, not showmanship. When a neighbor helps another, or a relative supports their kin without expecting anything in return, solidarity takes root as a culture, not a transient event. Conversely, solidarity loses its meaning when it becomes a means for show or social justification.
The justifications for this approach appear in international social studies that confirm that communities with informal support networks are better able to overcome prolonged crises. Social solidarity based on human relationships reduces absolute dependence on formal institutions and provides individuals with a sense of belonging and tranquility. These studies indicate that moral support and psychological containment are just as important as material support, especially in times of hardship.
An analytical approach must distinguish between solidarity as a deeply rooted social behavior and solidarity as a ceremonial discourse. Although it does not detract from the value of organized initiatives, it highlights the role of individual and collective silent efforts in building social stability. It also links solidarity to human dignity, emphasizing that the help offered with respect protects individuals from feelings of vulnerability.
Locally, in the Jordanian context, solidarity is one of the pillars of social cohesion. The extended family, neighborhood, and the spirit of "al-Faza’a" create an unwritten but effective safety net. Experiences in Jordan have proven that these networks have played a crucial role in mitigating the effects of economic or health crises. However, continued pressures put this model to a real test, calling for strengthening the culture of solidarity as a shared responsibility, not an additional burden.
Arabically, the experiences of communities that have endured prolonged crises show that silent solidarity was a fundamental factor in preventing disintegration. In countries facing severe economic challenges, family and community ties played a role in maintaining a minimum level of stability. These experiences have shown that when solidarity is practiced away from politicization or social competition, it is more impactful and sustainable.
Internationally, models from countries that have faced economic crises or natural disasters indicate that communities with a culture of mutual support recover faster than others. In some European countries, community-based initiatives and volunteer work based on human closeness were encouraged, enhancing the sense of shared responsibility and reducing social isolation.
These findings lead to several discussion-worthy conclusions. The first is that true solidarity does not need noise to have an impact. The second is that communities that reduce solidarity to money lose its human dimension. And the third is that preserving solidarity requires awareness that protects it from becoming a burden or a means of showmanship.
However, this path faces challenges, including community fatigue, declining trust, and the fear of exploitation. It also requires a balanced public discourse that encourages giving without overburdening individuals, and reaffirms the idea that solidarity is a collective responsibility to be shared, not a burdensome individual duty.
Finally, this approach leads to a comprehensive conclusion that solidarity takes root when practiced silently, with genuine intent, and mutual respect. A community that practices solidarity quietly builds internal strength that protects it in tough times, making its members less vulnerable and more humane. When solidarity becomes a daily behavior, not a seasonal slogan, it transforms from a reaction to a lifestyle that preserves the community and enables it to endure.
