Social Cohesion and Related Concepts

Abstract

Since the end of the last century, the European and international political debate has made increasing use of the term ‘social cohesion’. This success of the term is related to the reactions of governments, policy makers, commentators and public opinion leaders to the emerging consequences of globalisation and neo-liberal market-based policies. The risks and uncertainties of ongoing transformations seem to demand efforts to foster social integration at the global level, and at the same time the valorisation of the local solidarities and traditional identities endangered by the globalisation process.