Mutual Aid

The practice of mutual aid traces its origins to early human civilization. Indigenous societies depended on cooperation for their survival, leveraging the collective strength and skills of their members to overcome harsh natural conditions. In many cultures, these collective support systems continue to thrive into the present day.

Historically, organized mutual aid groups have emerged in response to rapidly changing economic conditions. During the Industrial Revolution, friendly societies provided English factory workers with health insurance and other financial benefits not otherwise available through their employment. In the United States in the early 19th century, freed African Americans established benevolent societies as a vital support network amid the  pervasive racial prejudice of mainstream society. In the modern era, mutual aid groups have played an important role in helping newly-arrived immigrants adjust to life in a foreign country.

Today mutual aid remains a core feature of local social fabrics throughout the world. For many communities in Indonesia, a tradition of cooperation known as gotong-royong – a Javanese phrase meaning “to bear together” – continues to rally neighbors in pursuit of a common goal. In Southern Africa, cooperating for the sake of the common good is embodied in the concept of ubuntu, an ethos of interdependence that lies at the heart of community life. 

Mutual aid can also be crucial in helping communities confront natural disasters, health emergencies and other crises. In the Philippines, a long-held tradition known as _bayanihan _inspires neighbors to help each other clean up debris and rebuild houses after a typhoon.   The Covid-19 pandemic saw a surge in mutual aid networks across the world, as people came together to make sure that marginalized groups had access to food, protective equipment and other basic necessities.

The resilience and vigor of mutual aid practices in the 21st century offer testament to a fundamental human desire for connection in the face of adversity. As new generations find common cause in pursuit of a more just, equitable and sustainable world, mutual aid represents an approach to generosity that is egalitarian, collaborative and life-affirming.

Contributor: Stephen Meyer