What Attaches Individuals to Groups and Society. A European Comparison

Abstract

By extending the analytical perspective of Durkheim, we set a theoretical framework to examine social bonds at two levels: the attachment of individuals to each other and the attachment of individuals to society. We create statistical indicators for comparing European countries and also, on an exploratory basis, the regions of Switzerland. We can distinguish and validate four ideal types of attachment regimes (familialist, voluntarist, organicist and universalist). Furthermore, our analysis shows national and regional specificities.