Social Cohesion: Definitions, Causes and Consequences

Louis Moustakas (2023)

Key facts

Journal/Publisher

Encyclopedia/MDPI

Type of publication

Journal article

Elements of social cohesion

Trust
Intergroup relations
Identity/feeling of belonging
Participation
Equality/Inequality
Orientation towards the common good
Solidarity
Shared values
Cooperation
Tolerance
Connectedness

Geographical focus

Theoretical

Main thematic areas

Concept & measurement

Link to publication

Summary

Viewed as the glue that binds societies, social cohesion is considered an essential ingredient to address common societal challenges. Definitions and associated conceptual frameworks usually summarise social cohesion as collective attributes and behaviours characterised by positive social relations, a sense of identification or belonging, and an orientation towards the common good. However, there are a large variety of definitions, and disagreement exists about what constitutes the core components, causes and consequences of social cohesion.