Working Notes: Solidarity an Antidote for Our Times

The latest issue of Working Notes », the journal published by the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice, examines how solidarity can be an antidote for our troubled times. In the editorial, Keith Adams refers to “The concept of solidarity and how it could remedy many of the social ills in contemporary Ireland.”

The journal begins with a paper written by homelessness activist and Jesuit, Father Peter McVerry. The paper is provocatively entitled ‘Ireland in Crisis – How Can Intelligent People Be So Stupid?’. In the piece Fr McVerry diagnosis the “Self protective individualism” that is present in Ireland which reinforces the myth that the ideal person is responsible for their own future without having to rely on anyone or anything else.

Father McVerry then widens the scope of his critique to nation states and their treatment of migrants. Combining the two spheres he argues that the failure of centre-right and centre-left politicians to meet the basic needs of many people has created “Fertile soil for the far right”, with politicians then hardening their positions on borders and resisting the offer of refuge to migrants.

Father McVerry concludes that “Diagnosis alone will not suffice.” He describes solidarity as a ‘vaccine’ which will prevent us from suffering the worst effects of self protective individualism. He writes, “Solidarity is a commitment to alleviating the pain of others.”

Meaghan Carmody is a Senior Sustainability Advisor for ‘Business in the Community Ireland’ which brings together businesses, government, and communities to make a difference in sustainability and social inclusion. She has written a piece for the journal entitled ‘Intergenerational Solidarity: What Duties Do We Have for People in the Future?’

Meaghan writes: “Our political systems should also seek to govern with future generations in mind”. She outlines the differing future generation structures which have been developed in Hungary, Wales, and Finland. She laments the ‘short-termism’ of contemporary Irish politics which prioritises immediate gains over long term sustainability. She proposes that the next government continue the work of Marc O’ Cathasaigh TD and create an Ombudsman or Commission for Future Generations.

Cesare Sposetti SJ, managing editor of Aggiornamenti Sociali in Milan, excavates the origin of solidarity through sociology, political philosophy and Catholic Social Teaching in Europe in his piece ‘Solidarity as Political Practice: A European Perspective’.

Dr Cormac Behan of Maynooth University focuses on particular groups of people in his article ‘From Philanthropy to Solidarity: Diverse Expressions of Prisoner Advocacy and Support’. He details the individuals and organisations involved in advocacy and support for those in Irish prisons.

Finally in their piece ‘Destabilising the Fight Against Poverty’, Sofia Clifford Riordan and Noel Wardick of the Dublin City Community Co-op question the quality of the solidarity and collaboration between the Government and the community, and between local development and voluntary sector. After outlining the job insecurity and pay disparity prevalent in the sector due to Government policy, the authors warn that if this destabilisation continues, anti-poverty networks will not be equipped to deal with the various crises which that have been exacerbated by the climate crisis.

Working Notes is a journal published by the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice. The journal focuses on social, economic and theological analysis of Irish society. It has been produced since 1987.