Sodality

noun

/səʊˈdæl.ɪ.ti/

A sense of fellowship, solidarity, or brotherhood arising from shared identity, beliefs, or circumstances; in sociology, a formal or informal association of people bound by common purpose or communal ties, particularly relevant to caste-based associations, religious brotherhoods, and community organisations in Indian society

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

Caste-based sodalities — formal associations of jati members that enforce endogamy, regulate disputes, and pool resources for collective welfare — demonstrate how social solidarity can simultaneously reinforce caste boundaries.

Synonyms

fellowshipbrotherhoodsolidarityconfraternitymutual association

Antonyms

individualismatomisationsocial fragmentationanomie

🌱 Word Family

sodality (n), sodal (adj, archaic), solidarity (related concept n)

🔡 Root

Latin sodalitas = companionship/brotherhood (sodalis = companion, cognate with suescere = to become accustomed together)

📜 Etymology

From Latin sodalitas; used in Roman religious and social context for cult brotherhoods; entered English in the 16th century; in Indian sociological discourse, sodalities manifest in caste panchayats, jajmani networks, and village headman councils that maintain social solidarity

🧠 Memory Hook

SODAL-ITY: SOcial bonD ALliance — a bond of companionship that holds a community together like glue

👥 Society 📖 Seen in: Salient Features of Indian Society — D...

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