Final answer:
The Sociological concepts related to trust, reciprocity, and equality in social groups, exploring how equal societies can better bridge divides between groups. It touches on the complexities of social norms and values as influenced by individual upbringing and societal roles, within the context of organic solidarity and Normative Ethical Relativism.
Step-by-step explanation:
A concept within sociology that aligns with theories of social identity and social cohesion. In sociology, there is a belief that equal societies are more successful in developing norms of trust and reciprocity, which can bridge divides between different groups. This is often contrasted with societies demonstrating significant inequality, where such bridges are harder to build due to pervasive mistrust and lack of reciprocity.
Notably, this happens because equal societies encourage a form of organic solidarity, as mentioned by Durkheim, where differences are accepted and laws are based on restitution, allowing for a diverse yet cohesive social fabric. Furthermore, the theory of Normative Ethical Relativism suggests that moral rules are subjective, varying from person to person depending on their upbringing and social environment, thus indicating that no single set of moral norms is universally applicable.
It should also be considered that theories such as emergent norm theory and the philosophical perspectives on tolerance highlight the complexity of group interactions and the challenges in achieving a universally accepted set of norms and values. Carol Gilligan's research on the different socialization of boys and girls further supports the idea that social norms can serve various purposes and are influenced by societal roles and environments.