The practice of relational solidarity is a type of ethical strategy that can be used to address issues related to oppression. In this essay, I will discuss how it operates in contexts where people experience discrimination, marginalization, and violence. Relational solidarity involves building relationships between individuals who are different from one another in terms of their social identities such as race, class, gender, religion, ability, age, nationality, etc., and working together towards shared goals of resistance and liberation. This approach challenges the dominant power structures and seeks to create alternative ways of living and being that are more just and equitable.
One way that relational solidarity works in contexts of oppression is through coalitions. Coalitions are groups of people from different backgrounds who come together to fight for common causes. These coalitions can take many forms, including political movements, activist organizations, labor unions, and social justice groups.
In the United States during the Civil Rights Movement, African Americans and white allies worked together to end racial segregation and dismantle systems of white supremacy. The coalition between Black leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and white supporters like John Lewis helped to bring about significant changes in American society.
Another aspect of relational solidarity is collective action. Collective action refers to actions taken by groups of people working together towards a specific goal. Examples include protests, boycotts, strikes, direct actions, and civil disobedience. When members of oppressed communities come together and act collectively, they can challenge the status quo and demand change.
The Stonewall riots were an important moment in LGBTQ+ history when queer and transgender people fought back against police brutality and discrimination in New York City's Greenwich Village.
A third strategy is mutual aid. Mutual aid involves supporting one another without expecting anything in return. In times of crisis or hardship, such as natural disasters, financial difficulties, or health emergencies, mutual aid networks help individuals and families access resources and support.
Mutual aid projects have been established in response to COVID-19, providing food, supplies, and other essentials to those who need it most. This type of assistance helps create interdependence and community bonds that are essential for overcoming oppression.
Relational solidarity can also be achieved through cultural exchange and dialogue. By engaging with each other's experiences, cultures, and perspectives, individuals can build empathy and understanding across differences. This can lead to meaningful relationships and collaborations that address systemic problems and promote social justice.
Indigenous peoples and settlers have engaged in dialogues about colonialism and its impact on their communities, leading to new ways of interacting and working together towards a more just world.
Relational solidarity is an effective ethical strategy that challenges oppression by building relationships between marginalized groups and working collectively toward shared goals. Through coalitions, collective action, mutual aid, and cultural exchange, this approach promotes social change and creates alternative forms of living and being. It is a critical tool for resisting systems of power and creating more equitable societies.
How does the practice of relational solidarity operate as an ethical strategy in contexts of oppression?
The practice of relational solidarity involves forming relationships with people from marginalized backgrounds to empower them and fight for social justice. It is based on the principle that collective action can be more effective than individual efforts in fighting oppression. Relational solidarity promotes mutual understanding and respect between individuals from different backgrounds, which helps to build trust and solidarity.