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.

Ethnic diversity and solidarity are often thought to be at odds with each other. In an increasingly diverse society, individuals find it more difficult to identify with other citizens and, therefore, are less willing to show solidarity. Empirical tests of the relationship between diversity and solidarity are, however, inconclusive.This book tests the hypothesis that diversity undermines solidarity in various ways. It discusses the meaning of social solidarity and the different motives that people can have to act solidary, and it examines the relationship between ethnic diversity and solidarity at the national, regional and local levels. These empirical tests use multiple methods, such as an international survey, a vignette study among the Dutch population, and a field experiment involving visitors to a popular market in Amsterdam. The role of the mass media is examined by studying the images of different ethnic groups that are presented in some popular newspapers, TV programmes and a news provider on the Internet. The collection concludes that, although ethnicity is certainly an important factor in understanding patterns of solidarity, there is not a simple linear relationship between ethnic diversity and solidarity. Even though ethnic difference in itself may be a source of discrimination, one cannot conclude from this that increasing ethnic diversity will necessarily result in less solidarity.