THE IDEA OF BROTHERHOOD IN HUMAN SOCIETIES: A HISTORICAL AND SOCIOCULTURAL ANALYSIS
Keywords:
brotherhood, social solidarity, kinship, social cohesion, human societies, sociocultural analysis.Abstract
The concept of brotherhood has played a central role in shaping moral systems, social relations, and collective identities in human societies. Originating in biological kinship, it evolved into a broader ethical and sociocultural principle emphasizing solidarity and shared humanity. This article examines the historical development and sociocultural significance of brotherhood through a qualitative historical–analytical approach drawing on sociological, philosophical, religious, and anthropological sources. The findings show that brotherhood has functioned both as a unifying moral ideal and a practical mechanism for social cohesion, while also generating tensions related to exclusion and power. Despite these challenges, the study argues that an inclusive reinterpretation of brotherhood remains a valuable resource for addressing contemporary issues such as globalization, social fragmentation, and inequality.
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