Social cohesion: a multi-dimensional and multi-faceted framework

This review paper addresses a crucial interdisciplinary concept: social cohesion. Social cohesion is a multi-dimensional and multi-faceted concept. To identify different dimensions and facets of social cohesion, we searched relevant databases and shortlisted 162 papers. By highlighting and extracting the key dimensions and facets from the sources, we synthesized the outcomes to prepare a conceptual framework of social cohesion that could be adapted to develop relevant social cohesion indices in different contexts. After introducing the topic and its significance and the review method, we will present and discuss a developmental review of social cohesion definitions with a focus on dimensions and facets. We will then present and discuss the six key dimensions of social cohesion and their facets extracted from the sources. These six dimensions include inclusivity and equality, civic participation and governance, social relationships and networks, shared identity and belonging, tolerance, diversity and harmony, and quality of life and development. The review paper is unique regarding the introduction of social cohesion dimensions and facets, and it contributes to the current literature on social cohesion. Moreover, the proposed framework can be used by different stakeholders to inform index development, comparative governance studies, and policy development.