Degree to which different groups in a society can live together and share common values.
Comment
- Social cohesion goes beyond the level of economic homogeneity (rate of employment, salary scale, access to health and education, housing); it is also linked to the level of social inclusion;
- it requires low degrees of social exclusion, intra-community cooperation and solidarity across communities and social groups;
- Jenson (1998) identified five dimensions to social cohesion:
- belonging / isolation: (shared values, identity, feelings of commitment);
- inclusion / exclusion (access to welfare);
- participation / non-involvement (in civil society);
- recognition / rejection of differences (in a pluralistic society);
- legitimacy / illegitimacy (trust to institutions).
Source
Cedefop, 2008; Jenson, 1998.