Solidarity and charity

Do you know the difference between solidarity and charity? In this article, we will explore what each term means and how they are relevant today. The growing gap between rich and poor in modern society means that a significant part of the population has to survive on very limited resources. Day after day, we see images in the media of the terrible things that are happening to our fellow men all over the world. In this context, concepts such as charity and solidarity take on special relevance.

To what extent are you responsible for the life and destiny of other people? We live in a world where solidarity is increasingly important. Little by little, people are becoming aware of what is happening in the world around them. That is why we want to dedicate today’s article to solidarity, charity and social justice .

The system of social action that we have today has evolved a lot over the years, changing from one model to another. These are:

• Charity
• Social services
• Wellness
• Social help
• Social Security

At first, the state was not responsible for the protection of its citizens. Any kind of social assistance for the needy was provided through charity. Over time, the idea has evolved quite radically. Today, the state is responsible for providing social services to ensure the well-being of its citizens .

In the past, charity consisted of giving change or food, caring for orphans, and helping people in hospitals, among other things. Citizens and charities organized these kinds of services. People believed that poverty was legitimate (due to illness or loss of parents) or illegitimate (due to vices or laziness).

“Charity is humiliating because it is exercised vertically and from above. Solidarity is horizontal and implies mutual respect ” . -Eduardo Galeano

Charity vs Solidarity and social justice

The concept of charity is linked to the idea of ​​almsgiving . It has nothing to do with justice or equality, nor does it empower those who receive it. Instead, the person who helps is the one who feels satisfied. However, it is important to remember that governments are ultimately responsible for protecting their citizens.

On the other hand, although solidarity is often associated with philanthropy, charity, altruism, and brotherhood among human beings, it is quite different from the previous definition. Solidarity is the human response to today’s contradictions . It encompasses everything from temporary help to a constant daily effort to alleviate human suffering and fight for justice.

Last but not least, the term social justice comes from the sense of inequality that exists in the world and the need to build a better society. Today this concept is complex and dynamic. For the UN, social justice is a fundamental principle for peaceful and prosperous coexistence, within and between countries. The fight for universal social justice represents the heart of the UN mission to promote development and human dignity.

The world is in a state of continual change. Consequently, it is essential to adopt positions that promote equality and justice . Not to temporarily fix a difficult situation, but to provide people with the tools and resources they need to improve their lives.

In conclusion, social justice must be a dynamic project that we never actually complete or finish. We must constantly strive to build a better world for all .