social cohesion

Syllable breakdown

Dictionary meaning

the degree to which members of a society are bound together by shared values, mutual trust, a sense of belonging, and willingness to cooperate; high social cohesion is associated with lower crime, better public health outcomes, stronger civic participation, and more effective collective action; social cohesion can be eroded by inequality, discrimination, rapid demographic change, political polarisation, and the weakening of shared institutions; it is a key policy concern for governments seeking to manage diversity and maintain democratic legitimacy