Social Solidarity and Assistance during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Ritma Rungule, Silva Seņkāne, Diāna Kalniņa

The article focuses on solidarity as a set of views and actions that, through mutual support, aim to unite society. The article discusses the forms of expression of solidarity – the receipt and provision of assistance, as well as the factors influencing solidarity – the individual’s capability and mutual trust.

The analysis is based on the population survey in the Latvian government funded program “Life with Covid-19” (VPP-COVID-2020/1-0013) at the end of September 2020 (SKDS, N = 1003). For comparison, the data of the surveys conducted within the framework of the INTERFRAME project SKDS in November 2019 (N = 1014) and October 2013 (N = 1000) were used.

It is typical for Latvians to rely more on themselves and the people closest to them in times of crisis, and the support of family and relatives is considered most important. In this Covid-19 crisis, pandemic containment measures changed the principles of mutual assistance – people could help each other not get sick by isolating and distancing themselves. Therefore, a larger part of the population received help provided by state and local governments than help provided by people closest to them.

Mutual trust is a precondition for solidarity at the level of society. Latvians have more trust in the circle of people closest to them than in government. Therefore the principles of solidarity also applied more to family and acquaintances.

The analysis of the survey data also shows that trust in other people is related to the individual’s capability, to choose what to do and to make their own decisions.

People with higher capability to do this trust others more. Strengthening this capacity in individuals can increase confidence in other people, thereby also contributing to public solidarity.