Social cohesion

The bonds and shared sense of belonging that hold members of a society together.

The extent to which members of a society are united and able to live and cooperate together.

Three important functions are serving the economy, facilitating social mobility and fostering social cohesion. Education can prepare people for employment, provide qualifications that open opportunities, and help people live together. Functionalists emphasise these benefits.

The unity and sense of belonging that bind people together, supported by shared values.

Link each function to its benefit: shared values can create social cohesion, while specialist skills and role allocation can support the economy.

The unity and bonds that bring people in society together, including shared values.

For Durkheim, transmitting shared norms and values creates social cohesion, also called social solidarity. This means the bonds and sense of belonging that hold society together. If people recognise common expectations, they can cooperate rather than act only in their own interests.

The bonds that bring people together within a society, including across cultural differences.

The bonds and sense of belonging that hold members of a society together.

Definition

How each exam board covers it

AQA GCSE Sociology · 8192

Exam tips

Get more free notes every week

Eduqas GCSE Sociology · C200