Studying Social Cohesion in Comparative Perspective

Monday, 7 July 2025: 15:00-16:45
Location: SJES019 (Faculty of Legal, Economic, and Social Sciences (JES))
RC42 Social Psychology (host committee)
RC55 Social Indicators

Language: English

Social cohesion is a multifaceted concept encompassing the bonds that bring and hold people together in societies. This session seeks to explore the dynamics of social cohesion across different societies and cultures, examining the various factors that influence its formation, sustainability, and erosion. By adopting a comparative perspective, we aim to identify both universal and unique elements that contribute to social cohesion in diverse contexts. One interest lies in understanding under which conditions social and political conflicts endanger social cohesion and what institutional mechanisms might mitigate these risks.

The session welcomes papers addressing theoretical frameworks, methodological approaches, and empirical findings. Empirical contributions could include qualitative methods, such as ethnographic studies and in-depth interviews, and quantitative methods, such as surveys and social network analysis. Special attention will be given to mixed-method approaches that combine the strengths of both qualitative and quantitative research to provide a more holistic understanding of social cohesion.

By bringing together scholars from diverse backgrounds and regions, this session aims to foster a deeper understanding of social cohesion and promote interdisciplinary and cross-cultural dialogue. The insights gained from this comparative perspective will not only advance academic knowledge but also provide practical implications for policymakers and practitioners seeking to enhance social cohesion in their communities.

Session Organizers:
Juan Carlos CASTILLO, Universidad de Chile, Chile, Olaf GROH-SAMBERG, University of Bremen, Germany and James O'DONNELL, Australian National University, Australia
Oral Presentations
The Girl Next Door? Childhood Cross-Group Exposure and Inter-Ethnic Marriage
Wendering LEONARD DAVID, Germany; Nan ZHANG, University of Mannheim, Germany; Kerstin OSTERMANN, Institute for Employment Research, Germany
Distributed Papers
Trust-Building Mechanisms and Strategies for Social Cohesion and Sustainable Peace Amongst a South African Sample
Moses MUTISO, MOI UNIVERSITY, Kenya; Joshua MUGAMBWA, Business School, Makerere University, Uganda; Anja HUMAN-HENDRICKS, Department of Social Work, University of the Western Cape, South Africa
Repatriation and Reintegration: The Manchuria Case
Madiha ZEB SADIQ, European University Institute, Italy
See more of: RC42 Social Psychology
See more of: RC55 Social Indicators
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