Social Cohesion In The Western World: What Holds Societies Together: Insights From The Social Cohesion Radar (springerbriefs In Well-being And Quality Of Life Research)

Many people in the Western world are concerned that the social fabric of societies is fraying. This book constitutes the first-of-its-kind systematic account of social cohesion, from theory through methodology to empirical evidence. Readers are introduced to the academically developed Social Cohesion Radar of Bertelsmann Stiftung, a globally active non-governmental organization. The Social Cohesion Radar defines and measures cohesion as characterized by three core aspects: resilient social relations, positive emotional connectedness between people and the community, and a pronounced focus on the common good. Using high-quality academic and institutional data sources, the Social Cohesion Radar provides insights into the level and development of social cohesion over a period of almost 25 years internationally, among 34 European Union and OECD members, and regionally, among the 16 federal states of Germany. It further provides insights into what influences cohesion, and what cohesion is good for. One of the key findings is that social cohesion promotes a happier life for everyone. Foreword 6 Measuring Common Ground: Bertelsmann Stiftung’s Social Cohesion Radar 6 Acknowledgements 12 Contents 13 About the Authors 16 List of Figures 18 List of Tables 20 Introduction 23 References 29 1 Theoretical Framework of the Social Cohesion Radar 31 Abstract 31 1.1 Roots in (Modern) Classics 31 1.2 Previous Research on Cohesion 34 1.3 Definition of Social Cohesion 36 1.4 Disambiguation 39 References 42 2 Methodology of the Social Cohesion Radar 44 Abstract 44 2.1 Countries and Time Periods 45 2.2 Secondary Data Sources 46 2.2.1 Survey Data 47 2.2.2 Expert Ratings 49 2.2.3 Institutional Data 49 2.3 Method: A Step-by-Step Guide 50 2.3.1 Initial Selection of Indicators 50 2.3.2 Data Preparation 52 2.3.3 Reducing the Number of Indicators 53 2.3.4 Final Selection of Indicators 54 2.3.5 Reflective Measurement of Dimensions 55 2.3.6 Completion of Dimension Scores 58 2.3.7 Formative Measurement of Social Cohesion 59 2.3.8 Limitations of the Approach 60 2.3.9 Five-Color Grouping Scheme 60 References 61 3 Level and Trend of Social Cohesion 64 Abstract 64 3.1 Overall Index of Cohesion 64 3.1.1 Most Recent Wave, 2009–2012 65 3.1.2 Overall Index Changes Over Time 66 3.2 Domains of Cohesion 66 3.2.1 Social Relations 66 3.2.2 Connectedness 68 3.2.3 Focus on the Common Good 68 3.3 Dimensions of Cohesion 68 3.3.1 Social Relations, Trust in People, Acceptance of Diversity 69 3.3.2 Identification, Trust in Institutions, Perception of Fairness 69 3.3.3 Solidarity and Helpfulness, Respect for Social Rules, Civic Participation 72 References 74 4 Syndrome Character and Regimes of Social Cohesion 75 Abstract 75 4.1 Syndrome Character 76 4.2 Regimes of Social Cohesion 79 4.2.1 Nordic Regime 81 4.2.2 English-Speaking and Small Western European Regime 83 4.2.3 Northwestern European Regime 83 4.2.4 Mediterranean and Eastern European Regime 84 4.2.5 Levantine Regime 84 4.2.6 Southeastern European Regime 84 References 85 5 Macro-Level Causes and Effects of Social Cohesion 87 Abstract 87 5.1 Determinants and Outcomes of the Overall Index 88 5.1.1 Wealth and Economic Situation 89 5.1.2 Income Inequality and the Welfare State 91 5.1.3 Demographics 91 5.1.4 Structural Modernization 92 5.1.5 Diversity 92 5.1.6 Culture and Values 93 5.1.7 Subjective Well-Being 93 5.2 Determinants and Outcomes of the Single Dimensions 94 5.2.1 Wealth and Economic Situation 94 5.2.2 Income Inequality and the Welfare State 98 5.2.3 Demographics 99 5.2.4 Structural Modernization 100 5.2.5 Diversity 101 5.2.6 Culture and Values 101 5.2.7 Subjective Well-Being 102 5.3 The Strongest Determinants of Social Cohesion 102 References 104 6 Social Cohesion, Values of Individuals, and Their Well-being 106 Abstract 106 6.1 Individual Values and Social Cohesion 107 6.2 Social Cohesion and the Well-Being of Individuals 111 6.2.1 Well-Being of Individuals Is Higher in More Cohesive Countries 115 6.2.2 Cohesive Societies Are Good for Everyone 115 References 118 7 A Case Study: Social Cohesion in Germany 120 Abstract 120 7.1 Data and Methods 121 7.1.1 Secondary Data Sources 121 7.1.1.1 Survey Data 121 7.1.1.2 Institutional Data 123 7.1.2 Method 123 7.2 Level and Trend of Cohesion 125 7.3 Determinants of Cohesion 128 7.4 Subjective Well-Being as Outcome 131 7.4.1 More Cohesive Regions Are Happier on Average 132 7.4.2 Individual Subjective Well-Being Is Higher in More Cohesive Regions 132 7.4.3 Are Cohesive Regions Good for Everyone? 134 References 135 8 Conclusion and Outlook 137 Abstract 137 8.1 Summary and Discussion 137 8.2 Future Research 141 References 142 Appendix 143 Front Matter....Pages i-xxxii Theoretical Framework of the Social Cohesion Radar....Pages 1-13 Methodology of the Social Cohesion Radar....Pages 15-34 Level and Trend of Social Cohesion....Pages 35-45 Syndrome Character and Regimes of Social Cohesion....Pages 47-58 Macro-Level Causes and Effects of Social Cohesion....Pages 59-77 Social Cohesion, Values of Individuals, and Their Well-being....Pages 79-92 A Case Study: Social Cohesion in Germany....Pages 93-109 Conclusion and Outlook....Pages 111-116 Back Matter....Pages 117-138