Solidarity within family relationships as a basic concept
Chapter 1 has noted a general sense of a decline in the strength of family bonds. This observation
raises a series of questions, such as ‘Is it true that family bonds are eroding?’, ‘What is the basis of the
supposed strength of family bonds?’, ‘What factors influence the strength of family bonds?’, and
‘What are the implications of a decline in the strength of such bonds?’. The research programme
intends to provide answers to these questions. The key concept employed in formulating these
answers will be that of solidarity. The programme will focus on identifying solidarity within family
relationships and the causes and implications of that solidarity.