Social solidarity is a concept introduced by Émile Durkheim that refers to the bonds, shared beliefs, and values that bind individuals together in society. It is the cohesion that exists within a society, ensuring that its members work together harmoniously.
Durkheim proposed that social solidarity is vital for the stability of society. He categorized it into two types: mechanical solidarity, which is found in traditional societies where individuals perform similar tasks, and organic solidarity, found in modern societies where individuals perform specialized roles.
The other options are related to different social dynamics. Social stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of people in society based on wealth, power, and status. Social integration refers to the process of bringing individuals into the social structure, while social conflict deals with tensions between different groups in society. Social solidarity, however, specifically deals with the shared values and norms that hold society together.