Social Cohesion Research Articles

Exploring the cohesive and social potential of a territorial ecomuseum in eastern sicily

ABSTRACT Thinking ethnographically with the work of Alberto Magnaghi, this paper explores the tensions and nuances of constructing ‘territory’ through the making of an ecomuseum in the Simeto River Valley in southern Italy. Conceptualised by Hugues de Varine and Henri Rivière, ecomuseums are community-based processes for reconstructing the material and immaterial signs of the past to revive a shared sense of heritage. Based on our engagement in a long-term action research process, interviews, focus groups, participation in itineraries and coordination activities, we trace how a group of actors involved in the Simeto Ecomuseum (SiEco) conceptualise different relationships to the territory and articulations of heritage to nurture futures in the Simeto Valley. We explore their diverse expressions of place attachment and political consciousness throughout this process. We suggest that ecomuseums can act as sites of social cohesion, if they generate a shared understanding and care of territory. However, this is complicated by diverse relationships to physical and cultural spaces, made visible in the ways boundaries are (re)made and unmade and in the difficulties of maintaining ongoing and inclusive collective processes over time. We call for the problematisation of the meanings and actions of ‘territory’, community and inclusion in the processes of cultural heritage-making.

Digital technologies and social sustainability in the digital transformation age: a systematic analysis and research agenda

Purpose This paper aims to systematically review the constructive effects of digital transformation (DT) on social sustainability, examining its impact across democracy and governance, social cohesion, quality of life, equality and diversity. It emphasizes the need for appropriate frameworks that incorporate DT strategies in organizational practices to improve social sustainability. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review was carried out through Web of Science and Scopus databases to identify the distinctive papers that explored the impact of DT on social sustainability. It analyzes how various digital technologies, like Internet of Things, cloud computing and mobile computing, can be strategically embedded in organizational practices to optimize social sustainability outcomes. Findings This study reveals that although DT significantly enhances operational capabilities and consumer experiences, its integration into social sustainability practices is often overlooked. It proposes a novel framework that aligns digital capabilities with sustainability goals, aiming to enrich organizational performance and societal welfare. This paper identifies dynamic capabilities as crucial for sustaining competitive advantage in a digitally transformed business landscape. Research limitations/implications The primary limitation is the reliance on secondary data, which may not fully capture the rapid advancements in DT. Future research should focus on empirical studies to validate the proposed framework and explore the dynamic capabilities required for integrating DT in social sustainability practices. Originality/value This study extends the discourse on DT by linking it explicitly with social sustainability, presenting a structured analysis that highlights the need for strategic integration of digital technologies within organizational sustainability practices. It fills a gap in the literature by proposing a comprehensive framework for organizations to follow, thereby contributing to the theoretical and practical understanding of DT’s role in enhancing social sustainability.

Social cohesion among Syrian and Turkish children, adolescents, and young adults in Turkey

AbstractTurkey has received a large influx of Syrian refugees since the start of Syrian civil war in 2011. Integration and social cohesion have become important issues for public policy in Turkey. We study social cohesion among young Turkish nationals and Syrian refugees. Our study sample comprises of adolescents and young adults (12–30 years), and children (6–11 years) who participated in events of the “Education Program for Syrian Refugees and Host Communities” (BILSY) program conducted by the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ). Social cohesion among adolescents and young adults is measured along three dimensions: sense of belonging, trust, and relational capacity. For children, we use behavioural games to measure two dimensions of social cohesion – altruism and trust. Our results show high social cohesion for both age groups, though lack of trust among Turkish nationals towards Syrian nationals is an area of concern. We also evaluate the impact of participation in BILSY program events using a randomised design and find that it had no impact on social cohesion. Our article adds to the limited literature on social cohesion among children and youths in countries affected by forced displacement.

Sustainable Marketing of Agro-Tourism: The Socio-cultural Perspective

Agricultural tourism has emerged as a niche tourism phenomenon and its demand has soared across the globe. This paper focuses on the socio-cultural sustainability of agro-tourism. Key socio-cultural dimensions, social capital and authenticity, are examined based on a purposeful sample of spatially dispersed farms in the US. The study results illustrate that agrotourism holds tremendous potential to strengthen and promote local food systems by promoting traditional ways of farming, particularly objective and negotiated dimensions of authenticity, social cohesion, trust and reciprocity. Marketing strategies promoting socio-cultural consumption of agro-tourism are suggested.

Perceptions of inequality and loneliness as drivers of social unraveling: Evidence from South Korea.

This study investigates the relationship between perceptions of inequality, feelings of loneliness, and societal fragmentation in South Korea, focusing on their interconnected dynamics. The research emphasizes the social contexts in which loneliness emerges and exerts its influence. In the first phase, path analysis is employed to examine how perceived inequality contributes to societal fragmentation-manifested through disbelief, exploitation, and indifference-with loneliness serving as a mediating factor. The findings reveal a significant link between perceived inequality and loneliness, which, in turn, undermines social cohesion. The second phase delves deeper into this relationship by analyzing each regression model, further substantiating the connection between perceived inequality and loneliness and its role in shaping perceptions of societal fragmentation. In an era marked by rising economic inequality and democratic erosion, loneliness extends beyond an individual concern, posing broader implications for societal emotional health. The study underscores the urgent need for interventions aimed at reducing economic inequality and addressing loneliness to promote more cohesive societies.

What’s behind the Attitudes of the Ethnic Bulgarians in Reproductive Age towards Interethnic Marriages with Members of Bulgaria’s Turkish Community?

This piece of research investigates the determinants of ethnic Bulgarians’ attitudes towards interethnic marriages with members of Bulgaria’s Turkish community. A statistical analysis was conducted to examine the role of socio-demographic factors in shaping these attitudes. It discusses many factors but focuses on the statistically significant educational attainment, settlement type, family status, and net income. Higher levels of education do not necessarily lead to more tolerant attitudes towards interethnic marriages. Settlement type and family status emerge as influential determinants. Income is important in shaping attitudes, with the better-off households exhibiting higher approval rates to interethnic mixed marriages. These and other findings contribute to understanding interethnic attitudes and provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders working towards fostering social cohesion and inclusion.

Challenges for social cohesion after de-occupation: social and political reintegration and attitudes toward residents of temporarily occupied territories

The future reintegration of the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine requires social cohesion in Ukrainian society: both for those who survived the occupation and those who lived in the governmentcontrolled territories. This article aims to determine the attitudes of residents of the government-controlled territories toward those who remain under occupation and to identify to what extent the issues of elections and (un)restriction of voting rights, the economic and cultural support programs, and the recognition of education certificates obtained in the occupied territories may hinder social cohesion after de-occupation. The study is based on the results of two waves of a nationwide survey conducted in October 2023 and March 2024. The paper analyses the survey results using descriptive statistics methods, and the linear regression analysis is conducted to test the hypothesis regarding the relations between the attitudes toward residents of occupied territories and having close relatives there. The study shows that Ukrainians’ attitudes toward the residents of the temporarily occupied territories are rather neutral than positive, which may indicate future lines of social tension. The support for reintegration policies varies depending on the duration of the occupation and the policy area. If the benefits and resources the policy addresses are perceived as scarce, the support for such policy is lower, as is the case of special university admission programs for school graduates from occupied territories. Also, Ukrainians’ positions differ in scenarios for restoration of local governance after de-occupation depending on the territories in question. Immediate restoration is a preferred scenario for territories occupied in 2022, while for territories occupied since 2014, the intermediate period of five years is envisioned.

Connection beyond borders: exploring sense of belonging across urban satellites conurbed by a medium-sized Mexican city

Urbanization influences the social dynamics of periurban settlements, altering the sense of belonging among residents in areas conurbed by expanding cities. However, the role of the conurbing decade and settlement type in this process remains largely unexplored within the Latin American context. In this study, we analyzed the urban expansion and resulting conurbing of the urban satellites of Morelia, a medium-sized Mexican city, during the 1970–2010s. Furthermore, we conducted 120 in-person, on-site surveys in settlement types such as colonias, pueblos and fraccionamientos conurbed by the city, focusing on residents who had lived in these areas prior to their integration into the city. We employed generalized linear models to identify the relationship between the sense of belonging and the decade when the settlements were conurbed by the city, the settlement type, and repondents’ sex, age, and length of residence in the settlement. During 1990–2010s, Morelia conurbed 20 colonias, 8 fraccionamientos, and 13 pueblos. Our results show that the conurbing decade, settlement type, and length of residence were the main determinants of the sense of belonging. The inhabitants of settlements conurbed longer time ago and with a larger length of residence showed the strongest sense of belonging. This might be related to the higher number of traditions and festivities which are preserved in pueblos, which promotes local identity and social cohesion. Our findings highlight the varied levels of sense of belonging that exist within cities and emphasize how settlement type continues to shape social bonds even after having been incorporated into a larger urban conglomerate.

A perceived community typology in older Korean Americans: implications for mental health.

The aims of this study were to identify a community typology in older Korean Americans and to examine how the typology is associated with feelings of loneliness and mental distress. We hypothesized that distinct community groups would be identified and that they would be differentially associated with mental health and background characteristics. Data were drawn from a survey with older Korean Americans aged 60 and older, collected during 2017-2018 in diverse locations (n = 2138). To identify a community typology, a series of latent profile analyses (LPA) were conducted using 15 community-related variables in three domains (neighbourhood characteristics, social cohesion, ethnic attachment). Based on model evaluation criteria, an LPA model with five community groups was identified as the best fit. The five groups were identified as "safe/integrated" (10%), "safe/distant" (10%), "moderate integration" (38%), "marginal" (31%), and "vulnerable" (11%). After examining descriptive characteristics of the identified groups, regression models of loneliness and mental distress were estimated. Using the safe/integrated group as reference, the marginal and vulnerable groups were consistently associated with elevated feelings of loneliness and mental distress. The results suggest the need to understand community profiles and their relationships with health/well-being among older immigrants.

The Roman Catholic Church and Interreligious Dialogue

Pope John Paul II contributed more than any other Pope in Christian history to interreligious dialogue. This article reviews the pastoral approach of Pope John Paul II (1978-2005) to interreligious dialogue (IRD) and its application in the Archdiocese of Mombasa, Kenya. The Roman Catholic Church (RCC) embraced IRD during the Vatican II Council (1962-1965) convened by Pope John XXIII, who passed on in 1963. While his successor, Pope Pius VI, guided the council and laid grounds for IRD by shifting from its exclusive theology of the pre-Vatican period, Pope John Paul II directed and shaped the pastoral approach of the RCC on IRD and social cohesion. This article analyses Pope John Paul II's magisterium and encyclicals on IRD and its pastoral application by the Archdiocese of Mombasa in moderation of religious and social extremism. It argues that the Archdiocese of Mombasa adopted interreligious dialogue to strengthen interreligious relations and build social cohesion.

Promoting intergenerational learning in higher education: participants’ perspectives on co-management and project-based learning

ABSTRACT Intergenerational (IG) practices foster understanding among diverse age groups, enhancing active ageing and social cohesion. Universities, as key stakeholders in lifelong learning, are pivotal in IG initiatives. Hence, this study investigates IG practices, rooted in project-based learning and co-management, in an international collaboration of universities. It explores participants’ views on IG learning experiences, emphasising generational perspectives and institutional situatedness. The research was conducted in 2022/2023 across Central and Eastern European universities, involving 45 participants (25 older learners, 20 students). Focus group interviews were employed, using a hybrid deductive-inductive approach. Results reveal age-related differences in IG learning perceptions: younger participants emphasised self-expression and connections, while older adults reported view changes about younger generations. Project-based collaboration and effective communication were key facilitators. Institutional situatedness was also identified as a relevant perspective. Participants at Mendel University emphasised the social engagement of older adults; at Eötvös Loránd University, the focus was on the choice of topics and roles; while at University of Split, there was an emphasis on fostering creativity and cooperation. The study thus underscores IG learning’s complexity and advocates for inclusive IG practices in universities, leveraging project-based and co-management principles.

Examining the efficacy of core competencies of municipal leaders in transforming local government in South Africa

PurposeThis study aims to examine the efficacy of municipal leaders’ leadership competencies in transforming local government in South Africa. Specifically, it focuses on identifying core competencies and obstacles that influence successful governance outcomes.Design/methodology/approachThe research employed a mixed-methods approach. Qualitative focus group interviews were conducted with n = 50 municipal leaders, stakeholders and experts. Additionally, an online survey was administered to N = 121 municipal leaders. The sample was drawn from eight local municipalities across South Africa, including Emfuleni Municipality, Ehlanzeni Municipality, Mbombela Municipality, Bushbuckridge Municipality, Msunduzi Municipality, Okahlamba Municipality, the City of Johannesburg and Tshwane MunicipalityNelson Mandela, Matlosana, Emfuleni, Ehlanzeni, Mbombela, Bushbuckridge, Msunduzi, Okahlamba, Mbombela Local Municipalities, the City of Johannesburg. Data analysis encompassed thematic coding and statistical analysis.FindingsThe findings suggest that the practical application of core competencies by municipal leaders is crucial for navigating complex challenges, fostering innovation and improving organizational culture and employee morale within local government agencies.Research limitations/implicationsResearch limitations include sample bias, reliance on self-reported data, contextual specificity to South Africa, potential for subjective interpretation and lack of long-term impact assessment.Practical implicationsUnderstanding the key competencies required for effective municipal leadership can inform training and development programmes for current and aspiring leaders. Practical application of these competencies can enhance governance outcomes, foster innovation and improve employee morale.Social implicationsEffective municipal leadership can contribute to social cohesion and service delivery, thus impacting the lives of citizens positively. By empowering employees and engaging stakeholders, municipal leaders can drive enduring outcomes and contribute to the overall well-being of communities.Originality/valueThis study fills a gap in existing research by examining the efficacy of leadership competencies within the context of South African municipal leadership. By identifying core competencies and obstacles, it provides valuable insights for improving governance and service delivery at the local government level.

An Interview with National Leaders in the Arts and Humanities

Abstract The President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH) has played a significant role in American government since its establishment by President Reagan in 1982. Although not part of the President’s Cabinet, the PCAH serves as an advisory body directly appointed by the president to support and promote arts and humanities across the nation. Despite its non-partisan mission, the PCAH has not been immune to political turmoil. In 2017, following President Trump’s controversial comments on the Charlottesville violence, the PCAH members resigned en masse, leading to the committee’s temporary disbandment. President Biden reinstated the PCAH in 2022, emphasizing its importance in fostering civic engagement, social cohesion, and equity through the arts and humanities. This article features an interview with current PCAH members, including National Endowment for the Humanities Chair Shelly C. Lowe, Oscar- and Tony-award winner and PCAH Co-Chair Bruce Cohen, and PCAH member and interdisciplinary artist Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya. The discussion highlights their personal and professional journeys within the arts and humanities, underscoring the profound impact of cultural experiences on their lives. They advocate for continued government support, citing the arts and humanities as essential for a functioning democracy.

КОНЦЕПТУАЛЬНІ ЗАСАДИ ФОРМУВАННЯ ІНКЛЮЗИВНОГО РИНКУ ПРАЦІ В УКРАЇНІ

Introduction. In the conditions of war, Ukraine faces numerous challenges that affect the socio-economic situation and the functioning of the labor market. At the same time, the formation of an inclusive labor market, which is able to provide equal opportunities for all citizens, including vulnerable groups of the population, which will contribute to social cohesion and economic stability of the country, becomes particularly relevant. This requires the formation of conceptual approaches to the creation of an inclusive labor market in Ukraine, taking into account the peculiarities of wartime and the challenges facing the country. The purpose of the article. The purpose of the study is to determine the conceptual foundations of the formation of an inclusive labor market in Ukraine in wartime conditions based on the identification of the main challenges for attracting vulnerable population groups to the labor market and the development of ways to overcome them in order to ensure the social and economic stability of the state. Methods. The research methodology is based on a comprehensive approach, which includes the analysis of scientific literature, regulatory and legal framework and statistical data. The research uses methods of comparative analysis to determine barriers in the labor market, a systematic approach to determine the conceptual foundations of inclusiveness, and a method of logical generalization to determine practical ways to solve the identified problems. Results. The article identifies the need for the formation of an inclusive labor market in Ukraine in the conditions of war, when socio-economic instability affects access to employment for various population groups. The main barriers to the participation of vulnerable population groups in the labor market, including veterans, internally displaced persons, people with disabilities, youth and women, have been identified. The analysis of the modern legal framework showed that there is currently a shortage of state support tools for their employment. The importance of cooperation between the state, business and the public sector to create equal employment opportunities has been proven. Conceptual approaches to the formation of an inclusive labor market are defined: implementation of professional retraining programs, development of social entrepreneurship and adaptation of workplaces. The need for the formation of a state policy aimed at ensuring equal access to the labor market for all population groups and strengthening the economic stability of Ukraine has been proven. Conclusions. The importance of the formation of an inclusive labor market in Ukraine as a key element of socio-economic stability in the conditions of war has been proven. The proposed conceptual principles ensure the expansion of opportunities for vulnerable population groups, the reduction of unemployment and the increase of social cohesion.

Exploring Dance Movement Therapy in Rehabilitation Settings

Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) is an integrative and expressive therapeutic approach that uses movement and dance to promote emotional, cognitive, physical, and social integration in individuals. This paper examines the historical development, theoretical foundations, and practical applications of DMT in various rehabilitation settings, highlighting its potential to address the multifaceted rehabilitation needs of clients. Empirical evidence supports the efficacy of DMT in enhancing physical coordination, social cohesion, cognitive functions, and emotional well-being. The review discusses the challenges DMT faces in modern therapeutic contexts and emphasizes the need for further empirical studies to establish its long-term impact compared to traditional rehabilitation protocols. Keywords: Dance Movement Therapy (DMT), Rehabilitation, Holistic Therapy, Psychosocial Intervention, Physical Coordination.

Changes in perceived neighborhood social cohesion and self-assessed health: 17-year follow-up of the Dutch GLOBE study.

Prior research has indicated that residents who perceive their neighborhood as more cohesive have better mental and physical health than those with lower perceived neighborhood social cohesion. However, because most studies are based on cross-sectional data, it remains unclear whether improving the perceptions of social cohesion leads to better health over time. This study applied random effects within-between models to examine the within-individual and between-individual associations of perceived neighborhood social cohesion and poor self-assessed health (SAH) in a cohort of Dutch adults with 17-year follow-up. We also tested whether such associations varied by age, educational level, and gender. The results of pooled analyses indicated that higher perceived neighborhood social cohesion was associated with better SAH [odds ratio (OR): 0.72; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.65, 0.80], but did not find conclusive evidence that within-individual changes in perceived neighborhood social cohesion were associated with SAH (OR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.89, 1.04). We also did not observe any moderating effects for age, educational level, or gender. This study provides some evidence that improving social cohesion in neighborhoods may be a beneficial health promotion strategy.

Design and implementation of blue-green infrastructure for socio-cultural benefits at community scales: the case of Wigram Basin in Ōtautahi Christchurch

Stormwater-related blue-green infrastructure (BGI) has been shown to play an important role in enhancing the socio-ecological-cultural resilience of communities under stress from climate change and in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. BGI has been defined as natural, semi-natural, and artificial spaces that deliver valued bio-physical and socio-cultural benefits to communities through the facilitation of natural processes, with a particular focus on stormwater management. While studies have identified a range of benefits associated with BGI, research has only partially examined their valuation, especially concerning socio-cultural outcomes. Research has also failed to consider the ways in which BGI operates at community scales, and how this may be influenced by the design process of individual projects. This study examines the range of socio-cultural benefits associated with BGI projects, alongside the design characteristics which may influence these outcomes using a mixed-methods case study of Wigram Basin. Results found that while a range of benefits were associated with the implementation of local BGI, broader socio-cultural outcomes such as social cohesion, the facilitation of a sense of place, and the ability to practice cultural values were infrequently identified by respondents. Results also demonstrated that the transdisciplinary design team, specific project priorities, and the approach taken to community and Indigenous engagement may have influenced the range of benefits achieved by Wigram Basin. As such, this research recommends that the design of BGI considers the range of disciplines required to be involved in project design, the pathways required to provide socio-cultural benefits, early, ongoing, and place-based community and Indigenous engagement and education, and the ongoing assessment and valuation of all project outcomes to maximize BGI implementation.

Enhancing smart city assessment: an advanced MCDM approach for urban performance evaluation

Urban centers in the 21st century face significant challenges impacting future urban living. The numerous indicators and inherent complexity involved in assessing urban performance in smart cities necessitate the application of multi-criteria evaluation methods, which are frequently associated with fuzziness and uncertainties. Thus, this study introduces an innovative decision support approach that integrates complex spherical fuzzy set to enhance decision-making for smart city evaluation. By incorporating a consensus measurement mechanism for judgments, the reliability of results is improved. The methodology assesses smart city performance by calculating a level index using criteria of resilience, sustainability, and urban livability, along with eighteen sub-criteria for comprehensive benchmarking. Results highlight pollution control, energy and environmental resources, community well-being, eco-friendly transport, and social cohesion as critical factors for smart city performance. Singapore demonstrates high-level performance due to its integration of advanced technologies and community-focused strategies. The evaluated results obtained via the developed approach offer valuable insights for urban planners aiming to promote sustainable, resilient, and livable urban development.

Appalachia - Bridging the Opioid Epidemic Amid the Fentanyl Crisis.

Although the opioid epidemic and fentanyl crisis are nationwide problems of immense proportions, calming the storm raging across the isolating geo-economic framework of Appalachia demonstrates the need for courageous, culturally effective programs that have the power to address and overcome the grave situation of addiction in this region. In the Appalachian region, unjust social structures are embedded in the communities' socio-economic conditions. As this reality poses even greater barriers to addressing the opioid epidemic in these communities, the restoration of social relationships within a community becomes vital to the development of a broader approach to social functioning and human flourishing. Faith traditions and faith communities can play an important role in helping to establish and support such social cohesion through attention to the individual, social, and spiritual needs of the community. This essay explores the complex problem of the opioid epidemic compounded by the fentanyl crisis. It considers the importance of public health research within the regional geo-economic framework of Appalachia to (a) inform policies that improve health inequities and promote social cohesion, (b) develop social solutions with a spiritual dimension, and (c) reveal remedies capable of informing moral norms in support of building a more just society. Reflecting on the virtue of solidarity, this essay also highlights the witness of the Catholic Church's response to the suffering experienced within the communities and the societies within the Appalachian mountains. While there may be considerable interest in viewing this article as a research document, foundationally, this essay utilizes a literary narrative approach through a Catholic lens to inform ethical deliberations, reasoning, and practice while supporting ethical reflection and consideration of the responses raised. Further, the reader is strongly encouraged to reference the comprehensive footnote system provided for extension and verification of the data presented.

Winds of change – Nomadic grassroots innovations in the maritime shipping sector

Grassroots innovations are seen as important contributors to sustainability transitions, however, given their dependence on place-specific conditions they face diffusion challenges. Responding to previously outlined gaps regarding conceptualisation and exploration of the spatiality of grassroots innovations, this paper introduces a conceptualisation of nomadic grassroots innovations. These are grassroots innovations that are mobile and perform activities in multiple places they continuously return to, conceptualised as host localities, while also being based in home localities containing for example offices and key infrastructure. Contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the geography of grassroots activities, the analysis explores the spatiality of socio-technical elements influencing three stages of development (initiation, operations, and upscaling and diffusion) of nine grassroots initiatives promoting a return to traditional sail cargo ships. Findings suggests that nomadic grassroots innovations are dependent on elements in home and host localities as well as from national and international contexts, indicating that the spatiality of nomadic grassroots innovations differs from place-based initiatives throughout all stages of development. Furthermore, analysis of challenges and opportunities for development of nomadic grassroots innovations reveals three key learnings for grassroots innovation diffusion: strategies for developing social cohesion through multi-scalar actor networks, utilising (costumer) demand for alternative solutions, and taking favourable sector conditions as a starting point when designing grassroots innovations. Combined, this could enable development of grassroots innovations that are less dependent on place-specific conditions and thereby easier to replicate, which could increase the capacity of grassroots innovations to tackle global challenges such as climate change.