Solidarity in Europe is a comprehensive study of the idea of solidarity from the early nineteenth century to the present. It covers social and political theory, Protestant and Catholic social ethics, and the development of the concept of solidarity in eight European nations - Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Steinar Stjernø examines how solidarity has been defined, and how this definition has changed since the early nineteenth century. He analyses different aspects of solidarity: what is the foundation of solidarity? Is it personal or common interest, 'sameness', altruism, religion, empathy, or cognition? What is the goal of solidarity? How inclusive should it be? The book also compares the different concepts of solidarity in social democratic, Christian democratic, communist and fascist parties.

Review of the hardback:' … important and fascinating book [that] will be valuable to political theorists and sociologists … a rich, multifaceted presentation of different meanings of solidarity in social theory, socialist theory and religious ethics … '

Source: Perspectives in Politics

Review of the hardback:'Stjerno has produced a detailed and thorough text that covers a wide spectrum of social and political thought … a particularly important contribution … The book will be indispensable for anyone interested in the theoretical aspects of social welfare'.

Source: Social Development Issues

Review of the hardback:' … the book must be regarded as a useful complement to the political science literature on the European welfare state.'

Source: Political Studies Review