Social Cohesion: Political Discourse and Sociological Conceptualization II

Social cohesion has turned into a central notion in contemporary social theory and research. This shift in academic discourse reflects the emergence of political programs aimed at promoting social cohesion. These programs have become a common reaction to perceived crisis phenomena of contemporary society. What is the relation between the academic and political discourses on social cohesion? Is there a connection between the diverging definitions in the social sciences and the different values underlying the various political programs? Is the concept essentially value-laden or normatively neutral? In how far can it be put to use in sociology and ideological distortion be avoided? What is the relation between social cohesion and notions like solidarity, trust, community, and integration? Moreoever, does social cohesion only concern the relation of actors and groups or also of institutions and social systems? The session invites theoretical as well as empirically informed contributions enabling a better understanding of social cohesion and its conceptualization.