WHAT IS SOCIAL COMMITMENT? - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The social commitment and social responsibility is a concept referring to the obligation imposed on a group of people who make up a society, individually or in groups. That obligation can be with themselves and / or with the rest of society.

This term makes an assessment of the effect of the decisions made by the group. This assessment can be negative or positive and falls within the framework of ethics, law or other areas.

The responsibility or social commitment establishes that every individual has an obligation to the rest of society because it belongs to it. A society is made up of each person who participates in it and what he does or does not do, even if it is a minimal action, has an impact on social life.

The commitment or obligation of each human being is with the rest of society, in order to obtain collective well-being and contribute to social balance.

The origin of this term and what it represents comes from the creation of the term "historical materialism", where man has a fundamental role in the development of society where he has the responsibility of educating himself to learn to solve the problems that surround him..

Social engagement in history

Since the human being began his life in community and a society was established, he has been forced to comply with certain rules for a better coexistence.

These rules are adapted to the place and time, therefore, they are constantly evolving.

Ancient Greece

In ancient Greece the sense of social commitment was present. Citizens had a public life in which they had to hold debates, participate and give their opinion in the dialogues held in the main square or in the agora.

Therefore, the participation of each one was a contribution to the entire community.

Middle Ages

Then in the Middle Ages, everyone was guided by the rules were made according to religious beliefs. Every action was done in order to obtain salvation.

If any person acted against religion, they were punished. The responsibility consisted in demanding respect for religion so that its rules were followed.

Modern age

Later the intellectual movement that characterized the Modern Age would arrive. At this stage reason was the main guide. The rights of man were developed and slavery began to disappear.

The responsibility or social commitment was based on defending the freedom and rights of man in society.

The State also acquired the responsibility of defending individuals and of demanding respect and compliance with the social rules of the time.

Contemporary age

For the Contemporary Age, the scientific and technological boom takes over all areas of society.

Education, effectiveness, efficiency, and communication skills were some of the requirements for being part of a functional society.

These behaviors become a responsibility to society. The companies are the ones that have the power because the market has a prominent figure since it moves the money that sustains society.

Who determines social commitment?

Social commitment is a historical entity, which means that it changes and adapts to the time, place and mentality of the people who inhabit at a certain time.

In each era the sense of good and bad changes depending on the historical and cultural development of the community.

The responsibility of people is with the moral society. In addition to this, the rules of coexistence are dictated by the entity that has the greatest power at the time, so the church, the State or companies can be mentioned.

Social commitment today

Responsibility or social commitment is considered a non-mandatory regulation or also called soft law. This has been embodied in various international agreements. Among them, it is worth highlighting the "Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights" adopted by UNESCO.

This concept has been extended to institutions or sectors where proposals are established to become aware of the social commitment that they must fulfill.

Thus, most companies and institutions are in charge of showing their duty to society, their commitment through actions that contribute to social welfare.

Many companies have as a priority within their objectives, to function as a useful entity to society through the creation and training of human talent, cooperate with the technological development of the country and promote its economy, among others.

Areas where social commitment is applied

Life in society includes all areas, understand health, the economy, the environment, food, education, among others. All together help to shape life in society, so social commitment covers all these areas.

Health is a sensitive issue and of great importance to individuals. This is why most companies, the State and institutions always make decisions that address this issue in order to safeguard the health of the individuals involved.

Decisions about health are linked to the environment. The more eco-friendly the actions carried out by any institution or company, the more protected people's health will be.

Likewise, if there is a health control and a suitable environment, food could be assured.

The State is responsible for promoting and enforcing certain regulations to guarantee security in these areas.

Education is also paramount. The State or the most powerful figure in that environment, has the task of promoting a quality education that reaches all individuals for the better development of civic life and society in general.

For good performance in the education sector, the rest of the areas must be covered.

References

1. Agüera, I. (2004). Leadership and Social Commitment. Mexico: BUAP.
2. Frederick, W. (2006). Corporation, be Good !: The Story of Corporate Social Responsibility. USA: Dog Ear Publishing.
3. García, J and Mondaza, G. (2002). Young people, University and social commitment: An experience of community insertion. Spain: Narcea Ediciones.
4. Hopkins, M. (2012). Corporate Social Responsibility and International Development: Is Business the Solution? UK: Earthscan
5. Mulgan, G. (2006). A Manifesto for Social Innovation: What it is, Why it matters and How it can be accelerated. UK: The Young Foundation.
6. Wueste, D (1994). Professional Ethics and Social Responsibility. England: Rowman & Littlefield.
7. Youniss, J and Yates, M. (1997). Community Service and Social Responsibility in Youth. USA: University of Chicago Press.