kameraadschap

Kameraadschap is a Dutch term that denotes a sense of camaraderie, solidarity, and mutual trust among members of a group who share a common purpose, duty, or hardship. The word combines kameraad (comrade) with –schap, a suffix indicating a state or quality. It is used to describe the social bond that binds individuals in formal organizations, informal groups, or communities under shared aims.

Core elements include loyalty, mutual aid, and willingness to support others, especially in difficult or risky situations. Kameraadschap is reinforced by shared experiences, collective identity, and informal norms that discourage betrayal and encourage cooperation.

Historically, the concept has appeared in military contexts as esprit de corps, and in socialist, labor, and activist movements where comradeship reduces emphasis on rank and personal gain in favor of collective goals. In Dutch usage, the term also appears in literature and political rhetoric to characterize egalitarian bonds among activists, soldiers, or workers.

Today, the term also describes camaraderie in sports teams, volunteer groups, and workplaces, where strong mutual trust supports teamwork. As with similar notions such as esprit de corps or solidarity, kameraadschap can foster positive cooperation but may also be used to justify exclusive loyalty or in-group bias if uncritically applied.