Social cohesion is based on common agreements between citizens.
Social cohesion is the union or agreement maintained by the members of a society . The concept refers to shared values, the sense of belonging and cooperation between community members, among other issues.
Before moving forward, it is important to indicate that the idea of cohesion refers to the adhesion, link or integration between different elements. Social , meanwhile, is that linked to society: the group of people who live in the same territory under common rules.
The concept of social cohesion, therefore, is linked to the strength of the bond that exists between the inhabitants of a city or a country . When social interaction is limited, there is no mutual respect and there is no collective identity, cohesion is reduced. On the contrary, if there is intense citizen participation in political and cultural life, civic commitment is present and community ties are solid, social cohesion is high or strong.
Importance of social cohesion
According to sociologists, political scientists and philosophers, social cohesion is key in a community . A cohesive citizenry is more likely to achieve peaceful coexistence and organize itself democratically. Therefore, the greater social cohesion, the greater general well-being.
That is why it is important to promote social cohesion and work towards the union of citizens. If people do not recognize their neighbors as a peer, do not respect the rules of coexistence and are guided by individualism, the community will not be cohesive and social conflicts will abound.
Solidarity is essential for social cohesion. The same can be said for inclusion and equity . An unequal society, without recognition of diversities and that does not support dialogue , will have high rates of violence and limited general well-being.
Empathy and tolerance are necessary for social cohesion.
How to build
Social cohesion is not spontaneous , but must be built. It is necessary for the State to get involved and for civil society to also act in favor of this construction.
It can be stated that, in a cohesive society, the whole aspires to collective well-being . That is why individuals seek to minimize marginalization and exclusion and exercise solidarity. With social cohesion, the possibilities of achieving or maintaining social peace, political stability and sustainable development increase.
According to specialists, social cohesion is based on three values: social inclusion , social capital and social mobility . Defending and promoting these values, therefore, is the path to building social cohesion.
Social inclusion is achieved when all people can participate in political, social and economic life under the same conditions. Social capital , on the other hand, is based on trust , both towards others and towards institutions. That is why it is linked to the sense of belonging. Social mobility , finally, alludes to the chances of progress.
Politics, as can be seen, is the elementary mechanism to promote social cohesion. A government can advance in this sense through the measures it applies, providing social protection , redistributing wealth and generating advancement opportunities for all citizens.
Acceptance of social norms is essential for social cohesion.
Examples of social cohesion
We can find an example of social cohesion in the massive demonstrations that took place in Argentina in April 2024 to defend public education. President Javier Milei , who took office in December 2023 with a high approval rating, had expressed his willingness to apply a strong budget cut to state universities, which would even put their operation at risk or force a tariff for their services. Although in general a large part of the population was then in favor of Milei , this specific issue caused massive rejection. That is why it can be said that it was an example of social cohesion: there is a consensus in Argentine society about the importance of defending public education . Of course, consensus is not absolute and even in social cohesion there are individuals who oppose the majority position.
Social cohesion also usually emerges in the face of a natural disaster . In the event of an earthquake, hurricane or other phenomenon with thousands or millions of victims, it is usual for people to react with solidarity and for society as a whole to tend to assist those affected. At these times, differences remain in the background and help is given to those who need it. They are, therefore, instances of strong social cohesion.
Another example of social cohesion arises when there is a massive demand for justice . This can be seen in many countries with the movement that fights for gender equality and demands an end to sexist violence. In the last decade, the feminist cause has grown to gain a huge number of defenders and today, at least in numerous Western nations, there is social cohesion about the importance of taking measures against femicides and discrimination against women.
The problem of individualism
Many analysts consider that the main enemy of social cohesion is exacerbated individualism . When people think only of their own benefit, feel that the other is a competitor or someone who can harm them, and have no interest in collective results, the community loses cohesion.
This problem is associated with the advance of modernity itself. In ancient times, the community prevailed over the individual. These more rudimentary societies were based on shared values and strong ties. Modern society, on the other hand, focuses on the individual. The collective consciousness lost strength and people understand the world according to their individual consciousness .
While individualism contributed to progress and greater freedom, it also encouraged isolation and alienation . The increase in insecurity, for example, is one of the consequences of this reality. It is necessary to strengthen social cohesion and social ties to aspire to group well-being: in a society with millions of excluded people, it is impossible for there to be peace, not even for the privileged sectors.