The multidimensional nature of social cohesion: From social support to system justification

Abstract Multilevel and multidimensional model of social cohesion suggests that social cohesion consists of subjective and objective dimensions on micro‐ (interpersonal trust, social support, density of relationships), meso‐ (openness, participation), and macro‐levels (trust and legitimacy of institutions). System justification theory (SJT) proposes that trust towards institutions and system‐justifying beliefs might be used interchangeably to measure subjective perception of the system at a macro‐level. The aim of the study is to indicate the content of the social cohesion macro‐level and the specifics of social cohesion structure in Russia. We tested two Composite Models of Social Cohesion that differentiated with subjective foundations of macro level (i.e., institutional trust (Basic Composite Model; BCMSC) and system justification (Modified Composite Model; MCMSC)) and two mediational models with hierarchical structure and the same differences at the macro level (i.e., basic mediational model (BMMSC) and modified mediational model (MMMSC)). About 955 Russians completed the questionnaires on interpersonal trust, social support, density of relationships, openness, participation, system justification, institutional trust, and legitimacy of institutions. The results of structural equation modelling showed the adequate model fit for MCMSC and MMMSC. The MCMSC indicated the significant contribution of micro‐ and macro‐levels, whereas in the MMMSC, the contributions of three levels were observed.