Social Cohesion

Definition

Social cohesion refers to the degree of unity, solidarity, and sense of belonging among members of a society or community. It involves shared values, mutual respect, and cooperation between individuals from diverse backgrounds, despite differences in culture, ethnicity, religion, or socioeconomic status.

Example

Imagine a university campus where students from various countries, cultural backgrounds, and academic disciplines come together to participate in an annual cultural festival. Despite their differences, they collaborate to organize events, share traditions, and celebrate each other’s uniqueness. This scenario demonstrates social cohesion because it fosters mutual understanding, reduces prejudice, and strengthens bonds among diverse groups.

Why It Matters

Social cohesion matters because it helps create harmonious societies where individuals feel valued and connected. In cohesive communities, people are more likely to work together to solve problems, support one another, and build a shared sense of purpose. Without social cohesion, divisions can deepen, leading to conflict, mistrust, and inequality. By fostering social cohesion, we can build stronger, more resilient societies that benefit everyone.

See Also

• social norms
• deviance
• social institution
• anomie