Social Sustainability
Social Cohesion
Definition
Social cohesion is the extent to which members of a society trust one another, feel a sense of belonging, share common values, and cooperate across differences — the quality of the bonds that hold communities and nations together. It is undermined by inequality, discrimination, displacement and perceived unfairness, and is a stated objective of institutions from the Council of Europe to the OECD and national social policies.
References
This reference provides supporting context for how “Social Cohesion” is defined and used.
Source imported for editorial provenance.
Overview
How it is used
The concept structures social policy, integration and anti-discrimination strategy, just transition design, and measurement through trust and belonging indicators.
Why it matters
No society decarbonises against itself; social cohesion is the substrate that determines whether transitions are carried through or fought to a standstill.