Introduction

Social cohesion is all about people in a group, like a school or a community, getting along and feeling connected to each other. Think of it as the “glue” that holds everyone together. It’s about trust, shared values, and a sense of belonging.

Imagine you and your friends are like different ingredients in a smoothie. When you blend everything together, you create a delicious, smooth drink. That’s social cohesion. If the ingredients don’t mix well, the smoothie will be lumpy and not so tasty. In the same way, when people in a group don’t get along or understand each other, they won’t feel connected, and the community won’t be very cohesive.

Some statistics that can help you understand social cohesion are things like crime rates, volunteerism, and voter turnout. Lower crime rates, more volunteering, and higher voter turnout are all signs of a cohesive community.

So, to sum it up, social cohesion is how well people in a group work together, trust each other, and share values. It’s like the perfect blend of ingredients in a smoothie that makes a community stronger and happier.

Social Cohesion is an ideal ultimate objectives to create a inclusive, and sustainable society.

‘No man is an island’ is a famous quote that most of us are very aware of, which reminds us of our own distinct and unique purpose. The truth is, no one can ever do their usual routines without interacting with someone. Each person you encounter every day, maybe someone you already knew or a total stranger, affecting your daily living even by their most straightforward actions.

Nevertheless, it is proof that as we stand on the same ground and as we share the same blue sky, we are connected. 

We can cohesively put together new ideas and aspirations by sharing a purpose with other people to achieve social goals.

What is social cohesion?

When you’re talking about how connected and united members of the society are, you’re referring to social cohesion. Social cohesion is the situation occurs when people willingly work and cooperate despite the existing differences in their demeanor, culture, and beliefs.

Imagine a boat in the midst of the sea while there is a storm ravaging them. All persons on the boat need to move and cooperate with other personnel to contain the situation to survive.

The same goes for our social interactions. Being able to put your full trust in other community members to achieve the same goal as yours pertains to social cohesion.

To be socially cohesive is to have a sense of belongingness and build good relationships with community members. It opens gateways of opportunities to society members and fosters positive social mobility towards each other’s well-being.

According to the research posted online conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the three pillars of social cohesion are social inclusion, social capital, and social mobility.

Social Inclusion

Social inclusion refers to the extent of participation of an individual in the society, especially those who are disadvantaged who need to be amplified to be heard. It is also the process of involving them in addressing certain causes within the community.

Social Capital

On the other hand, social capital is the reason behind various systems in society, economy, and politics. Citizens share values, norms, trust, which is essential in the process of social exchange.

Social Mobility

Moreover, social mobility refers to the movement of an individual’s social status in society. Its movement can either be upward and downward depending on what they are experiencing, whether they progress or diminish on the social strata.

These three pillars of social cohesion help us to identify whether a society is strongly glued and bonded.  

It starts with the citizens’ keenness to build a just society where a multitude of people is fused together to share policies that focus on the members’ equity.  

Furthermore, social cohesion binds people together and promotes trust among them, where they learn to uphold the same goals and ambition of the community.

Why is social cohesion necessary?

Understanding social cohesion is essential to address the social downsides such as social exclusion and marginalization where discrimination and inequality are still rampant in every corner of society. 

In reality, most of us think that there is always this thin greyline that separates most people from other social groups leading to poor and unstable connections within the members. This form of social relegations forbade many to participate in the community’s activities.

A cohesive society maintains a healthy and robust connection within the community across all diverse groups, encompassing all individual citizens, regardless of their social class, to achieve the common good. The cohesive society will treat all cultures, races, sexual orientations, gender equitably.

Their main goal is to focus on their economic dynamism and business growth where no one is left behind. A cohesive society encourages everyone to participate and share in the community’s success. 

To move forward, the community should unite its citizens with stabilized policies and inclusive activities. Citizens will only sustain their competitiveness to reach their team goals within a united society.

It is also important because it eradicates social fractures and inconsistencies and connects everyone to resolve conflicts easily.

Social cohesion is a significant context that results in a long-term progression where people can live in an inclusive society with stable social policies. 

Social cohesion in business

Social cohesion in business reflects the company’s positive outcomes and the members’ engagement with the group. One must know how to work with their team cohesively to survive the stiff competition within business industries. 

One of the most important factors that a group must consider is their solidarity. Building an inclusive workplace environment where employees can freely cooperate and express their ideas and opinions motivates them to be more productive.

Members who feel that they are heard and belonging to the group boost their will to do more for the team. Empowering each member socially does not only contributes to their personal well-being but also to the company’s prosperity. 

A team is like a support system that an individual can always lean on. Solidarity among members enables them to stay motivated, especially with tight deadlines, with their willingness, passion, and overall cooperation. Working together, collaborating, and cooperation is always the key to a bountiful outcome.

A cohesive team drives each other towards each member’s betterment and works passionately, especially in crisis times.

Following the context of social cohesion, businesses are more likely to succeed in their projects if the team is interpersonally motivated and united. 

How to use Social Media in Fostering Social Cohesion?

Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate, connect, and share information. For Generation Z and Millennials, social media platforms have become an integral part of their daily lives. These platforms offer tremendous potential for fostering social cohesion among diverse communities, as they provide opportunities for communication, engagement, and collaboration across geographical and cultural boundaries. This article examines the role of social media in promoting social cohesion, backed by statistics and examples, and highlights inspiring stories of individuals who have used social media to build strong, united communities.

According to a study by the Pew Research Center (2020), 90% of adults aged 18-29 in the United States use at least one social media platform, making it a powerful tool for connecting with younger generations (Perrin & Anderson, 2020). Moreover, research conducted by the European Commission (2018) reveals that social media use can positively impact social cohesion by encouraging users to interact with people from different backgrounds, facilitating intercultural exchanges, and reducing feelings of loneliness (European Commission, 2018).

A study by the University of Pennsylvania (2019) explored the potential of social media for bridging political divides. The researchers found that when social media users were exposed to opposing political views, they became more empathetic and understanding towards those with differing opinions (Bail et al., 2019). This indicates that social media can play a crucial role in fostering social cohesion by promoting dialogue and understanding among diverse groups.

Examples and Stories of Building Social Cohesion through Social Media

Facebook Groups

One example of social media fostering social cohesion is the rise of Facebook Groups, which connect users based on shared interests or affiliations. For instance, the “Love Has No Labels” campaign utilized Facebook to create a community where users can share stories and experiences about diversity, inclusion, and acceptance (Love Has No Labels, n.d.). This initiative helped promote understanding and empathy, strengthening social cohesion among group members.

Instagram and Body Positivity

Body-positive influencers, such as Ashley Graham and Lizzo, have used Instagram to create inclusive communities that celebrate body diversity and promote self-love (Graham, 2019; Lizzo, 2019). By sharing their own experiences and encouraging others to embrace their bodies, these influencers foster a sense of belonging and unity among their followers.

Twitter Hashtags and Social Movements

Social media platforms like Twitter have played a pivotal role in amplifying social movements, such as #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo. These hashtags not only raise awareness about important social issues but also connect individuals who share similar experiences, creating a supportive community that fosters social cohesion.

The role of social media in fostering social cohesion among Generation Z and Millennials cannot be understated. As demonstrated by the research findings, examples, and stories presented in this article, social media platforms have the potential to bridge divides, promote understanding, and create strong, united communities. However, it is important to recognize that social media can also be a double-edged sword, with the potential to both unite and divide. To harness the full potential of social media in fostering social cohesion, users must be mindful of their online interactions and strive to create inclusive, empathetic, and supportive online spaces.

Examples of social cohesion

We often see examples of social cohesion in our everyday lives, which seems ordinary for us. One example of that is people’s resiliency whenever a crisis strikes.

True enough, there will always be someone who will not hesitate to help you when you need it the most. You might say that some of them only do that for recognition, but in real life, it is when people share the same feeling, aspiration, and goal towards their community.

Think of situations that made us socially cohesive. A crisis that hit the community particularly. 

The existence of more confounding poverty in an example, which is rampant due to the COVID-19 pandemic, unified us to recalibrate our ways. With its outbreak, we started to have a feeling of involvement.

All of us are enthusiastic about following the authorities’ minimum health standards and protocols to stop the spread of this dreaded disease. We also started to feel that helping those in need is one of our duties as human beings. We are motivated by this altruistic sensation to share our purpose with others.

In a way, these trying times unified society members worldwide, and cohesively did their part to uplift the community.

How can we foster social cohesion in an increasingly diverse and globalized world?

Fostering social cohesion in an increasingly diverse and globalized world requires a multifaceted approach that involves individuals, communities, governments, and organizations. Here are some strategies to promote social cohesion:

Encourage dialogue and understanding

Facilitate conversations between people from different backgrounds to foster empathy and mutual understanding. This can be achieved through community events, workshops, and online platforms that encourage open dialogue.

Promote inclusivity in education

Education plays a vital role in fostering social cohesion. Schools should promote an inclusive curriculum that celebrates diversity, teaches about various cultures and histories, and encourages critical thinking and empathy.

Support community-building initiatives

Encourage grassroots movements and local organizations to create events and programs that bring people together. This can include cultural festivals, sports events, and social clubs that provide opportunities for diverse communities to interact and bond.

Ensure equal access to resources

Work towards equitable distribution of resources, opportunities, and public services across all communities. This includes access to education, healthcare, housing, and employment, which can help to reduce disparities and foster social cohesion.

Foster media literacy and counteract stereotypes

Encourage responsible media consumption and promote media literacy to help individuals recognize and challenge stereotypes and biased narratives about different groups of people.

Strengthen anti-discrimination policies

Governments should enforce and strengthen anti-discrimination laws and policies to protect individuals from prejudice and discrimination based on their race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or other characteristics.

Encourage workplace diversity

Encourage businesses and organizations to prioritize diversity and inclusion in their hiring practices, and create a supportive work environment that values the contributions of employees from diverse backgrounds.

Celebrate and promote cultural diversity

Embrace and celebrate the richness of diverse cultures through arts, music, and cultural events. This can help to build bridges between different communities and promote understanding and appreciation for diverse traditions and customs.

Conclusion

Social Cohesion is a vital context in the success of society. 

The success of one’s community depends on how connected the citizens are and how they are willing to participate in all the projects and activities of their area.

As members of society, we have to cooperate and share our ideas with the other members to create more ways to achieve the community’s goals.

It’s always up to us to enrich our community for the better. We must amplify not only our voices but also of those disadvantaged to be heard. In the end, cooperation and collaboration is still the key to build a strong and prosperous society.

Social Cohesion Resources

1. Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. New York: Simon & Schuster.
2. Berger-Schmitt, R. (2000). Social Cohesion as an Aspect of the Quality of Societies: Concept and Measurement. Mannheim: Centre for Survey Research and Methodology (ZUMA), Social Indicators Research Centre.
3. Chan, J., To, H. P., & Chan, E. (2006). Reconsidering Social Cohesion: Developing a Definition and Analytical Framework for Empirical Research. Social Indicators Research, 75(2), 273-302.
4. Easterly, W., & Levine, R. (1997). Africa’s Growth Tragedy: Policies and Ethnic Divisions. The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 112(4), 1203-1250.
5. Colletta, N. J., & Cullen, M. L. (2000). Violent Conflict and the Transformation of Social Capital: Lessons from Cambodia, Rwanda, Guatemala, and Somalia. Washington, D.C: World Bank Publications.
6. Bail, C. A., Argyle, L. P., Brown, T. W., Bumpus, J. P., Chen, H., Hunzaker, M. F., Lee, J., Mann, M., Merhout, F., & Volfovsky, A. (2019). Exposure to opposing views on social media can increase political polarization

• European Commission. (2018). The impact of social media on social cohesion: A literature review. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/sites/jrcsh/files/jrc112188.pdf
• Graham, A. (2019, January 17). My journey to body positivity [Instagram post]. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/p/BstjKxQn7Uk/
• Love Has No Labels. (n.d.). About. Retrieved from https://www.lovehasnolabels.com/about/
• Lizzo. (2019, June 6). True you [Instagram post]. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/p/ByX_6DOhjrp/
• Perrin, A., & Anderson, M. (2020). Share of U.S. adults using social media, including Facebook, is mostly unchanged since 2018. Pew Research Center. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/04/10/share-of-u-s-adults-using-social-media-including-facebook-is-mostly-unchanged-since-2018/

https://link.springer.com/referencework/10.1007/978-94-007-0753-5

https://www.imd.org/research-knowledge/articles/com-april-2014/

https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/careers/soft-skills/team-cohesion/

Best Social Cohesion Videos

Social Cohesion FAQs