Lesson 3.

2 Solidarity and Citizenship

What does it mean to be a Filipino? Filipinos are known to be hospitable, cheerful, resilient,

hardworking, and resourceful. Aside from these, Filipinos also value solidarity or

togetherness. We like spending time with our family and friends. We love connecting with

people and building relationships with them. In the Philippines, people make sure that no

one is left behind especially in times of difficulties. Similar to the concept of bayanihan, it is

common among families, neighbors, and communities to be there for one another and

overcome crises together. This is the essence of community spirit in the country.

This lesson about solidarity and citizenship will highlight how much importance Filipinos

give to their communities and country by means of self-involvement and through engaging

in community action.

Every good citizen adds to the strength of a nation. — Gordon B. Hinckley

This short quotation talks about being a good citizen and how it can have a collective effect.

However, what does it really mean to be a good one? From the activity you did, you were

asked to list down characteristics of a good citizen and how it can be achieved through

engaging in community action.

Just like community engagement, solidarity and citizenship are forms of community action

that aim to foster the participation of community members in social development and

nation-building. As a result of different community action initiatives, people become

empowered and communities are strengthened.

The Self and the Community

Solidarity can be defined as unity and mutual support present between individuals and

communities with shared interests or goals. This is also referred to as the regard for fellow

human beings, believing that each person’s actions affect others and vice versa. Hence,

solidarity entails responsibility and accountability with others and the whole community.

Similarly, citizenship denotes membership in a political society. As a citizen, a member is

expected to fulfill certain duties and protect his or her community.

member, one has to participate, serve, and work toward social development, keeping in

mind that he or she is responsible for the well-being of others and the attainment of their

common ambition.

Nature of the Self

Several sociological and philosophical theories have emerged in understanding the

interrelationship of the self and the community. Sociologist George Herbert Mead’s theory

of the social self is based on the idea that the self is formed through social interaction. For

Mead, the self is fundamentally social, and that an organized community or social group is

what gives individuals their sense of self.

In addition, philosopher Josiah Royce’s theory of the self centers on the interdependence

of the self and the community. According to Royce, “the lost self is the one who has no

community to help in the discovery of his true self.”

The following are the similarities shared by these two theories about how the self is

significantly connected to the community:

● The self is a social structure, and it arises from social experience.

● The self exists only in relation to the community.

● The self cannot be separated from or exist apart from the community.

● If a person is to develop himself or herself, he or she must be a member of a

community.

● Cooperation with others is necessary for community well-being.

● The attitudes of a community can be understood by an individual, only if he or she is

a member of that community.

● Solidarity as a responsibility. Being aware of social injustices and inequalities

experienced by a lot of people, it is our responsibility to act in solidarity knowing that

these can have consequences that can affect us too. An example of this could be by

helping marginalized sectors of the society, such as farmers, fisherfolk, indigenous

communities, laborers, and workers deprived of opportunities, and other affected

sectors of the community.

● Solidarity as a virtue. Solidarity as a virtue refers to the willingness to participate in

helping and supporting communities. Solidarity also requires unselfishly considering

the needs of others rather than one’s own interests and achieving collective

well-being.

● Solidarity as a human right. Solidarity is also the belief that everyone is equal and

deserving of the same opportunities, freedom, rights, and treatment. Furthermore, solidarity is the goal
of human rights insofar as it aims for a moral community

wherein all persons are treated with dignity and respect amidst diversity.

Solidarity in Communities

Solidarity in communities can be manifested in various ways. It starts within the most basic

unit of the society, which is the family, and may go as far as in school, workplaces, churches,

organizations, and the larger community.

● Solidarity in the family. This exists between husband and wife, between parents

and children, among siblings, and among other family members. Solidarity in the

family is characterized by love, commitment, and sacrifice.

● Solidarity in the local communities. Neighborhoods, workplaces, churches, cities,

and towns are several examples of immediate communities in which we show

solidarity. By following the rules and doing our share of obligations and tasks,

solidarity and harmony are achieved. Solidarity in these communities is characterized

by bond, unity, responsibility, and community spirit.

engage in the community and show feelings of solidarity beyond one’s obligations.

Examples of this would be volunteering to work in non-profit organizations, donating

money or goods, supporting advocacies, and other informal activities. Solidarity in

these organizations is characterized by compassion, empathy, and community

feeling.

● Solidarity in a nation. National level solidarity pertains to the citizens’ involvement

in the state. Citizens manifest solidarity through abiding by the law and fulfilling

democratic duties. In some cases, citizens exhibit solidarity in the form of social

activism, to voice out concerns especially on behalf of marginalized sectors. Solidarity

in the nation is fuelled by patriotism, allegiance, and loyalty to one’s own country and

countrymen.

Citizen Participation

Having a set of civil and political rights, citizens also have responsibilities to fulfill. Citizen

participation pertains to the social responsibility that citizenship recognizes—that people

have a moral responsibility to the self, others, and the community.

Citizen participation entails that a citizen must go beyond one’s comfort zone, be engaged in

the community, and contribute to the greater good. Citizen participation can be undertaken

at a community level, such as community development, or through state-level or political

participation, such as activism or holding public officials accountable to the people. Through

citizen participation, community members are utilized for decision-making and have an

influence on the institutions and programs that affect them. Through this involvement, the

likelihood that community goals are met increases.

Community Action Readiness

Community action readiness refers to the degree to which a community is ready to

address issues affecting it.

Applying the Community Readiness Model developed by the Tri-Ethnic Center of Colorado

State University, the following are the dimensions of community action readiness that need

to be assessed. These are identified as key components that can predict how a community
is prepared to respond to an existing issue in the community.

Dimensions of Community

Action Readiness

Questions to ask

1. Community efforts

How much ability do efforts, programs, and policies have to solve present issues?

2. Community knowledge of efforts

Are the community members aware of the efforts and their efficiency in solving issues? Do they have

access to these initiatives?

3. Leadership

How are the leaders responding to these issues?

4. Community climate

What is the general attitude of the community toward present issues?

5. Community knowledge about the issue

Are the community members aware of the causes and possible consequences of present issues?

6. Resources related to the issue

Are there resources available locally to support these efforts?

WRAP UP

Solidarity can be defined as unity and mutual support present between individuals

and communities with shared interests or goals. Citizenship denotes membership in

a political society. As a citizen, a member is expected to fulfill certain duties and

protect his or her community.

● George Herbert Mead’s theory of the social self is based on the idea that the self is

formed through social interaction. Josiah Royce’s theory of the self centers on the

interdependence of the self and the community.

● The different characteristics of solidarity are as a responsibility, as a virtue, and as

a human right.
● Citizen participation pertains to the social responsibility that citizenship

recognizes—that people have a moral responsibility to the self, others, and the

community.

● Community action readiness refers to the degree to which a community is ready to

address issues that are affecting it.

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