ABSTRACT
The previous two chapters illustrated that solidarity and cooperation is fostered by structures and interaction. In this chapter I will trace the mechanisms at the individual level. I will elaborate on the content of the processes, the concept of solidarity itself and the interests perceived by the trade union activists. In the analytical framework I presented different ways that solidarity can be defined and explained: based on identity, common interests that can be better pursued together, or on expected rewards, which, among other forms, can include reciprocal behaviour. My case studies illustrated that these three motives for solidarity accompany cooperation and collective action. I will present solidarity from the actors’ point of view and analyze its character with a focus on the possible tensions between perceived interests and solidarity. This will help to understand and explain the motivation to commit to solidarity despite competition pressure. The analysis will reveal the potential and limits of solidarity in the transnational realm. The first subchapter conceptualizes on interests in the context of competition. It reveals that the perception of interdependence influences perceptions of interests. The second subchapter analyzes the form of identification in the framing of solidarity with the focus on drawing geographic boundaries, perception of differences, and organizational belonging as bases and contradictions of solidarity. The last two subchapters will deal with reciprocity. The first function of reciprocity is motivation and starting mechanism. The internalization of reciprocity norms also has a regulating function. The focus on framing is consistent with constructivism and can be seen in
the broader context of society-building processes. This theoretical approach ‘highlights the transformative capacity of societies; it asserts the creative selfconstitution of social realities; and recognizes that imaginary significations enter into the ongoing process of social construction’ (Delanty and Rumford 2005: 17). Framing of solidarity in the transnational context and negotiating the tensions that arise in this situation can be seen as part of Europeanization within the context of globalization. Emergent frames can be seen as expression of social reality at the cognitive and relational level. I will focus on the way the actors see the tension between perceived interests and competition, local belonging and transnational solidarity. Competition, despite being
perceived as such by the actors, is consistent with the formulation of common interests. It is possible to identify the common interest and simultaneously one’s own interest as differing from each other. The actors conceptualize their situation as being interdependent on others, which leads them to conceptualize their own interest also as in the interests of others. Solidarity can also be motivated by expected reciprocity. It is connected to the interests, but it also defines the relations between the trade unions. The finding that reciprocity as a norm and practice is present in transnational settings and leads to certain behaviour is a very significant result and contribution. One can conceptualize it as a precondition for developing social relations. It would then be an indicator for the establishing of transnational social groups.
