Identifying the Links: Social Cohesion and Culture

Abstract

The notion of social cohesion is widely used to discuss current economic, social, and political situations. It lacks a clear definition, however. This article's first section reviews some of the ways that social cohesion is used, while cautioning against falling back into nostalgia for a supposedly "golden age." A second section provides a discussion of the reasons why social cohesion is on the agenda in a time of globalization and neo-liberalism. The third section briefly raises some links between social cohesion and culture. The final section, by way of conclusion, raises the following two queries: How can social cohesion be maintained? Can there be "too much" social cohesion?