Solidarista

Solidarista is a socio-economic and political movement that originated in Costa Rica in the early 20th century. It is characterized by the principle of solidarity, emphasizing cooperation and mutual aid among workers and employers for the common good. Solidarista principles advocate for profit-sharing, worker participation in company management, and the establishment of worker-owned cooperatives or associations. The movement aims to create a more equitable distribution of wealth and foster harmonious labor relations by moving beyond the traditional adversarial model between labor and capital.

The foundational ideology of Solidarismo was developed by Alberto Martén Chavarría, who sought an alternative to both pure capitalism and Marxist socialism. Solidarista associations are typically funded through a portion of company profits and voluntary worker contributions. These funds are then used for various social benefits, such as loans, housing assistance, education, and retirement plans for members. The movement gained significant traction in Costa Rica, with many businesses adopting Solidarista principles and establishing corresponding associations. Its proponents argue that it promotes social peace, economic development, and improved living standards for workers, while critics sometimes raise concerns about potential limitations on independent union activity or the extent of genuine worker power.