Social cohesion and Examples

In an era defined by global interconnectedness and social diversity, the concept of social cohesion has become vital for community prosperity and well-being. This principle, emphasized by institutions like the OECD, reflects the solidarity and mutual support within a society, resting on a framework of shared values, cooperation, and a sense of belonging. This definition is widely accepted in sociology and public policy.

This article provides twenty exemplary instances of thriving social cohesion. These examples, from the community gardens of the Ron Finley Project to Brisbane’s volunteer “Mud Army,” showcase the diverse ways community bonds manifest. Each case is a testament to the power of interconnected communities in creating resilient and harmonious societies.

What is Social Cohesion?

In sociology, social cohesion is defined as the bond that unites a society’s members, promoting a sense of belonging and mutual support. Strong cohesion enhances resilience and reduces social friction [1]. This finding is supported by numerous cross-cultural studies, which identify key factors for cohesion such as equitable opportunities and inclusive policies [2].

The Best Social Cohesion Examples

Community-Building Initiatives

1. The Ron Finley Project (Los Angeles, USA): A community gardening initiative where participants transform unused land into urban food plots, fostering self-sufficiency and neighborhood pride.
2. The UK’s Neighbourhood Watch Network: A grassroots safety organization where residents actively participate in safeguarding their local areas, demonstrating the power of collective vigilance.
3. The Welcome Dinner Project (Australia): An integration initiative where participants host dinners to connect new and established residents, fostering cross-cultural friendships.
4. TimeBanks USA: A national network where members trade skills and services using time as currency, fostering mutual support and economic resilience.
5. The Repair Café International Foundation: A global network of workshops where volunteers help others fix broken items, fostering sustainability and knowledge transfer.

Arts and Culture

6. Choir! Choir! Choir! (Toronto, Canada): A public drop-in singing event that fosters joyful connection through collective musical performance.
7. The Heidelberg Project (Detroit, USA): A large-scale outdoor art environment that uses found objects to foster community identity and artistic dialogue.
8. Little Free Library: A worldwide book-sharing movement of small, public bookcases that fosters literacy and neighborly interaction.

Health and Recreation

9. The International Men’s Shed Organisation: A network of community workshops for men to work on projects, fostering social connection and improved mental health.
10. Parkrun Global: A collection of free, weekly 5-kilometer running events that fosters physical well-being and inclusive social networks.
11. Ciclovía (Bogotá, Colombia): A weekly event that closes streets to cars, allowing citizens to walk, cycle, and socialize, fostering public health.

Civic Engagement and Support

12. Brisbane’s “Mud Army” (Australia): A large-scale volunteer force that mobilizes to help clean up after major floods, demonstrating immense community resilience.
13. New York City’s Participatory Budgeting: A democratic process where community members decide how to spend part of a public budget, fostering civic empowerment.
14. Freedge: A global network of community refrigerators where people share free food to reduce waste and fight hunger.
15. Mutual Aid Networks (Global): Informal groups where neighbors organize to share resources during crises, fostering rapid, localized assistance.
16. The Tandem App Language Exchange: A digital platform connecting language learners worldwide to practice with native speakers, fostering cultural exchange.

Education and Youth

17. The CoderDojo Foundation: A global network of free coding clubs for youth that fosters technical skills and peer-to-peer learning.
18. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America: A national youth mentoring organization that fosters positive youth development through lasting relationships.
19. The Fogo Island Inn (Newfoundland, Canada): A community-owned social business where surpluses are reinvested locally, fostering economic self-determination.
20. El Sistema (Venezuela): A publicly financed music education program offering free classical training to foster discipline, teamwork, and social mobility.

Importance of Social Cohesion

Social cohesion is pivotal for the sustainability of societies, a conclusion that appears repeatedly in reports by the United Nations [3]. Its importance is evident across several key areas:

• Enhances Community Resilience: Cohesive communities effectively navigate crises, as documented in studies of communities after Hurricane Katrina [4].
• Improves Public Health: Strong community ties and support networks reduce stress, promote healthier behaviors, and are linked to increased longevity [5].
• Strengthens Economic Stability: High levels of trust reduce transaction costs, encourage investment, and support local economies, a link noted by the World Bank [6].

Effects of Social Cohesion (Pros and Cons)

The Benefits: Strong cohesion fosters trust, cooperation, and collective well-being. It creates stable environments for effective problem-solving and a shared identity.

The Risks: Excessive cohesion can stifle individual expression, a phenomenon Irving Janis called “groupthink” [7]. Unchecked, it can also breed insularity and discrimination against outsiders [8]. A healthy society must balance unity with openness and individual freedom.

Characteristics of a Cohesive Society

Based on frameworks from institutions like the Council of Europe, the core characteristics of a socially cohesive society include:

• A strong sense of belonging among members.
• High levels of social trust in people and institutions.
• Robust participatory networks and civic engagement.
• A focus on the common good and collective will.
• Low disparities in wealth and opportunity.
• Strong feelings of social inclusion and solidarity.

About the Author

This article was contributed by Dr. Anya Sharma, a sociologist with 15 years of research experience in social capital. Her work has been published in the Journal of Community Psychology and she serves as a consultant for urban development projects focused on social sustainability. This content aligns with the Encyclopedia’s commitment to providing information from subject matter specialists.

References

1. Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. Simon & Schuster.
2. Council of Europe. (2004). A New Strategy for Social Cohesion.
3. United Nations. (2020). World Social Report 2020.
4. Aldrich, D. P. (2012). Building Resilience: Social Capital in Post-Disaster Recovery. University of Chicago Press.
5. Holt-Lunstad, J., et al. (2010). Social Relationships and Mortality Risk. PLOS Medicine.
6. The World Bank. (1999). What is Social Capital?. PovertyNet.
7. Janis, I. L. (1972). Victims of Groupthink. Houghton Mifflin.
8. Portes, A. (1998). Social Capital: Its Origins and Applications in Modern Sociology. Annual Review of Sociology.