Social cohesion revisited: a new definition and how to characterize it

Figures & data

Figure 1. Theoretical and empirical studies.

Figure 2. Timeline experimental studies, observational measurement approach.

Figure 3. Timeline experimental studies, manipulation of experimental studies approach.

Figure 4. Timeline experimental studies, fostering of group cohesion approach.

Figure 5. Timeline SNA's studies.

Table 1. Definitions of social cohesion widely in use today.

Council of Europe (Europe 2008)	Canadian Government (Jeannotte 2003)	OECD (OECD 2011)
“ … the capacity of a society to ensure the well-being of all its members, minimizing disparities and avoiding marginalization”	“ … the ongoing process of developing a community of shared values, shared challenges and equal opportunity within Canada, based on a sense of trust, hope and reciprocity among all Canadians”	“A cohesive society works towards the well-being of all its members, fights exclusion and marginalization, creates a sense of belonging, promotes trust, and offers its members the opportunity of upward mobility”

Figure 6. Framework to characterize social cohesion.

Council of Europe. 2008. Report of High-Level Task Force on Social Cohesion: Towards an Active, Fair and Socially Cohesive Europe.

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Jeannotte, M. Sharon. 2003. “Singing Alone? The Contribution of Cultural Capital to Social Cohesion and Sustainable Communities.” International Journal of Cultural Policy 9: 35–49. doi: 10.1080/1028663032000089507

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OECD. 2011. Perspectives on Global Development 2012, Perspectives on Global Development. OECD Publishing.

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