Social Cohesion Research Articles

The emergence of collective moral elevation through multilevel individual and organizational processes

PurposeThis paper aims to extend the concept of moral elevation from the individual level to the team/group level by introducing the notion of collective moral elevation (CME) and elucidating its emergence.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on social exchange theory and social capital arguments, this paper presents a conceptual framework that outlines the mechanisms through which moral norms, organizational symbols, social cohesion and repeated interactions facilitate the transition from individual internalization of norms to collective aggregation of moral elevation.FindingsThe proposed framework emphasizes the processual nature of CME, highlighting the importance of understanding sequences of events rather than merely examining static relationships between variables.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the pioneering academic works to offer a novel perspective on moral elevation, exploring its manifestation at the collective level and elucidating the dynamics of its emergence and evolution within teams and groups in organizational settings. Our proposed framework explicates how moral norms, organizational symbols, social cohesion, emulation and their iterations allow individuals to transition from individual internalization of norms to collective aggregation of moral elevation.

Stigmatization and perceptions of Venezuelan migrants in Peru in the context of Venezuela’s political and economic crisis

This study analyzes the social and individual stigmatization toward Venezuelan immigrants in Peru within the context of the largest migratory movement in Latin America, driven by the political, economic, and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. The study employs a qualitative approach, using semi-structured in-depth interviews with a diverse sample of 24 participants from major Peruvian cities, including Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, and Trujillo. These in-depth interviews provide insights into the complexity of perceptions toward Venezuelan migrants, ranging from stigmatizing views driven by associations with economic threats and criminality to more positive perceptions that acknowledge the migrants’ adaptability and economic contributions. The findings reveal that while negative stereotypes perpetuate social exclusion and pressures for cultural assimilation threaten the preservation of migrant identities, there are also narratives highlighting resilience and successful integration. The study emphasizes the importance of implementing intercultural education programs, promoting labor integration policies, and collaborating with the media to combat stigma. It concludes that addressing these challenges through a multidimensional, human-rights-based approach can foster greater social cohesion and better integration of migrants, benefiting both the migrant population and Peruvian society.

The role of racial group solidarity in intergroup relations between Black-White multiracial and Black monoracial people

The role of racial group solidarity in intergroup relations between Black-White multiracial and Black monoracial people

Event-Based Optimization of Tourism at Pasir Padi Beach, Pangkalpinang City

Pasir Padi Beach, located in Pangkalpinang City, Bangka Belitung Island Province, has become a major tourist destination by hosting various events that attract local and foreign tourists. This study aims to optimize event-based beach tourism at Pasir Padi Beach by analyzing social, economic, infrastructural, and cultural impacts. Data were gathered through interviews with the Pangkalpinang City Tourism Office, observations, and secondary sources. The findings indicate high community participation, enhanced social cohesion, and significant economic benefits for local MSMEs, with income increases of 60-80% during events. However, challenges such as inadequate community readiness, lack of market research, and suboptimal stakeholder synergy were identified. To address these challenges, a comprehensive strategy is proposed, including improving infrastructure, diversifying events, and integrating local cultural elements to balance tourism development and cultural preservation. Government support, combined with local community empowerment and strong stakeholder collaboration, is essential. Effective marketing strategies, utilizing social media and influencers, and the implementation of sustainable tourism practices are recommended to maximize economic benefits while preserving environmental and cultural integrity. In conclusion, with strategic improvements in infrastructure, event management, and stakeholder involvement, Pasir Padi Beach can become a model for sustainable event-based beach tourism, promoting economic growth, social cohesion, and cultural preservation. The study’s limitation is the reliance on a single informant from the Tourism Office, which may limit perspective diversity. Future research should involve a wider range of stakeholders, including MSMEs, youth groups, local artists, and private sector representatives, to provide a more comprehensive understanding.

The Rajah Tradition: Cultural Identity and Spiritual Practices within an Islamic Context

This study aims to explore the rajah tradition in Kebon Panjang Village, examining its role as both a cultural artefact and a spiritual medium, and understanding how it reflects the intersection between local customs and Islamic values. A qualitative approach with a phenomenological framework was employed, allowing an in-depth exploration of the rajah tradition through interviews, participant observation, and literature review. Data were gathered from both primary sources, such as community leaders and practitioners, and secondary sources, including academic articles and books on amulets and traditional practices. The findings reveal that rajah serves multiple purposes, including protection, blessing, healing, and authority enhancement. It acts as a cultural bridge between traditional beliefs and Islamic spirituality, illustrating how local customs adapt to fit modern religious frameworks. The study also identifies the dual perception of rajah within the community—some view it as a form of Islamic devotion, while others approach it with caution, concerned about potential contradictions with orthodox Islamic teachings. This study provides insights into the sociocultural dynamics of spiritual practices, highlighting the community’s pragmatic approach to religious and cultural identity. The findings suggest that rajah contributes to social cohesion, emotional support, and cultural preservation, offering a model for similar cultural practices in other regions to adapt in the face of religious and modern influences. This research contributes to the literature on amulets and spiritual artefacts by examining rajah within the unique socio-religious context of an Indonesian village, offering a nuanced understanding of how traditional practices coexist and evolve alongside mainstream religious beliefs. The study underscores the significance of rajah as both a symbol of cultural resilience and a tool for spiritual assurance.

Group cohesion and passive dynamics of a pair of inertial swimmers with three-dimensional hydrodynamic interactions.

When swimming animals form cohesive groups, they can reap several benefits. Our understanding of collective animal motion has traditionally been driven by models based on phenomenological behavioral rules, but more recent work has highlighted the critical importance of hydrodynamic interactions among a group of inertial swimmers. To study how hydrodynamic interactions affect group cohesion, we develop a three-dimensional, inviscid, far-field model of a swimmer. In a group of two model swimmers, we observe several dynamical phases, including following, divergence, collision, and cohesion. Our results illustrate when cohesive groups can passively form through hydrodynamic interactions alone, and when other action is needed to maintain cohesion. We find that misalignment between swimmers makes passive cohesion less likely; nevertheless, it is possible for a cohesive group to form through passive hydrodynamic interactions alone. We also find that the geometry of swimmers critically affects the group dynamics due to its role in how swimmers sample the velocity gradient of the flow.

How Built Environment Characteristics Influence Social Interactions During Neighbourhood Walks Among Urban Inhabitants

As an accessible and low-risk mode of transportation and recreational activity, walking both produces and is produced by socio-spatial urban features. The health benefits of walking transcend physical fitness, remaining integral to mental health and to fostering social connectedness in urban communities. Understanding what drives walking behaviour, therefore, warrants attention from a public health perspective. This qualitative case study focuses on the social interactions of inhabitants during neighbourhood walks and how built environment features influence walking patterns and experience. Using diaries, maps, and semi-structured interviews with 45 inhabitants of a mid-sized Canadian city, this research investigates the influence of permanent and temporary physical features on the perceived quality of inhabitants’ walks. The findings show the public visibility of urban modifications influences walking behaviour and improves social interactions, leading to a heightened sense of belonging and community. Inhabitant-led modifications in the urban space were mostly neighbourhood-bound and voyeuristic, whereas administrative interventions were more successful for collectivization. Both types of interventions are argued to foster social connectedness through different mechanisms, with positive impacts on inhabitants’ health and wellbeing. The findings underscore the relevance of community-led and administratively planned interventions in built environments in positioning public health policies associated with social cohesion and connectedness.

The moral agency of civil society in post-election South Africa

With the dawn of the new post-election Government of National Unity (GNU) in South Africa, this article ventures some ideas on the possible contribution of civil society to this new dispensation with the aim of turning the tide of moral decay and to set the course to hope and the development of a community of character. The research approaches the topic from a Reformed theological-ethical paradigm and considers social ethics within the context of the kingdom of God as the determinant of Christian social ethics. The study explores the possibility that the upcoming civil society could contribute to the much-needed moral ethos of South Africa by means of cooperation, confrontation, complimentary action, and co-option with respect to the state machinery in the GNU. The central theoretical argument of this research is that the incumbent civil society in South Africa – as one of the pillars of the constitutional democracy – can play an important role in the reinvention of a sound moral ethos as a moral agent over and against the GNU. To prove this hypothesis, the article discusses and submits the following areas of social involvement by civil society as proposals for further reflection: reviving morality, fostering moral leadership, being the voice of the poor, exposing corruption, shadowing public education, fighting crime, furthering constitutionalism, and promoting national dialogue.Contribution: The research indicates that civil society in South Africa has renewed potential to act as a powerful and effective moral agent in the country by using the spaces provided by the new post-election GNU. It can play a prominent role in rebuilding the moral ethos, social cohesion, and welfare of the community.

Can indigenous peasants of Central Kalimantan live viably while conserving their forest lands?

Purpose This study aims to investigate the feasibility of a community-based non-timber forest products (NTFP) enterprise, or CBNE, within the indigenous peasant communities in Manuhing Raya, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. This includes assessing the potential for generating featured agricultural products from the region. Design/methodology/approach This is a descriptive qualitative study that integrates ethnographic methods into the SLA analysis, to investigate the feasibility of a CBNE approach within an indigenous peasant community. A number of 13 peasant groups, which comprise 251 members, from the seven villages in Manuhing Raya participated in the study. Findings The CBNE approach, when combined with One Village One Product method, is considered appropriate for the determination of featured agricultural products in a local community. In addition, the SLA analysis in this study contributes to identifying vulnerable aspects of CBNE development in the local communities, including weaknesses in social cohesion, leadership and entrepreneurial orientation. Research limitations/implications Efforts to preserve the rainforest lands in Central Kalimantan cannot be excluded from the involvement of the local peasant communities. The best livelihood strategy in this case is to adopt a CBNE approach. This shall be made possible by empowering the peasant communities to revive their local wisdom of Upun Pambelum, which means forest lands are their primary resources for life. Practical implications This study highlights the importance of using ethnographic investigation prior to the implementation of a CBNE development. Originality/value The implementation of the CBNE approach should take into account socioeconomic aspects of the local community, especially the presence of social cohesion, leadership roles and entrepreneurial orientations. In addition, the study demonstrates the potential of integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern business models in CBNEs.

Cultural Preservation and Identity: Exploring Strategies for Preserving Cultural Identity among Refugees, Migrants and Minority Communities While Promoting Integration and Social Cohesion

Abstract: The preservation of cultural identity among refugees, migrants and minority communities poses a serious challenge in the context of increasing global travel. This essay examines several tactics meant to support social cohesiveness and integration within host nations while still protecting cultural identity. This research identifies critical elements that support the effective preservation of cultural heritage by an extensive analysis of the body of existing literature. The study highlights the value of inclusive policies, community-driven projects, and educational programs in promoting a sense of respect and belonging across various communities. It also emphasizes how important intercultural communication and cooperation are to reducing cultural differences and promoting social harmony. This study offers a sound understanding of how cultural integration and preservation can coexist, ultimately leading to more inclusive and cohesive societies, by looking at successful models and potential roadblocks. Policymakers, social workers, educators, and community leaders who are dedicated to promoting social integration and cultural variety in a global community that is becoming more interconnected will find great value in these findings.

Modeling Group Exercise Members Continuation

This research presents a conceptual model that investigates group exercise program continuation, influenced by membership price, service quality, and group cohesion. A random sample of members from recreation fitness centers completed a group exercise questionnaire (three locations, n= 200). The study measured members’ perceptions of class social cohesion, group exercise service quality, price satisfaction, and continuation. Results show that Price Satisfaction, Group Exercise Service Quality (GXSQ) and Group Integration Task (GI-T) have a direct significant relationship with Intent to Repurchase. GXSQ and Price mediate the relationship of GI-T and Continuation. Price mediating the relationship of GXSQ and intent to repurchase. GI-S does not contribute to the model. The results emphasize the importance of the quality of the program (instructor and operations) and the price point when deciding to repurchase classes. The collective task and how participants perceived satisfaction are influenced by these factors, and a positive experience leads to program continuation.

Climate crisis and human migration: the emergent sociolegal parameters of a science-based policymaking

IntroductionThe Paris Agreement, signed in 2015, is the epitome of the effort for a global consensus on the problem of climate change and its repercussions, including climate-induced migration, aimed at improving the institutional capacity for the formulation of effective adaptation and mitigation policies. One of its novel characteristics was the incorporation of science in the formal policy toolkit: States must use the best available science, as the empiricism of traditional policy-making regimes, bequeathed by an era of ordinary climatic patterns, must now take a backseat and give way to the emerging paradigm of science-based policymaking. Given the growing awareness of the climate migration problem affecting humans from all paths of life and likely to disrupt social cohesion and economic development, our era is set to become an epoch of climate migration; still, the rights of climate displaced peoples continue to be neglected.MethodsThis article examines the extent to which the Paris Agreement and associated public policies have the capacity to address climate induced migration, since international law urges States to address all critical impacts of climate change, using the best available scientific knowledge in this purpose. The analysis is based on a review of the existing literature on the science-policy interface, followed by a presentation of developing trends in international law. Subsequently, the authors attempt to present the socio-legal context of the emerging trends and assess the integration of science in climate migration policymaking. In this context, comparative case studies are presented to underscore what seems to be disparities and gaps in policy implementation in this area.ResultsOur findings show that climate change raises unforeseen challenges that have not been properly assessed by policy makers both at the international and national levels, such as the extent of climate-induced human displacement and migration and the urgent necessity for legal protection of climate-induced migrants. The lack of a concrete and legally binding framework for States is highlighted, while science is only incorporated at suboptimal levels, although there seem to be recent changes in this paradigm, suggesting a shift towards greater operational integration of scientific inputs.DiscussionThe study highlights the prospects and challenges of emerging policy contexts, especially the binding duty to use science for policymaking, resulting in specific obligations –i.e., the necessity to produce and disseminate data, and to create the necessary institutional arrangements–, given that existing policy measures remain inadequate in addressing the scale and urgency of climate induced migration. The incorporation of science in policy, although progressing, requires more robust implementation to support climate justice initiatives, that must be pursued despite the complex policy implications involved at all levels.ConclusionThe paper suggests that efforts must be intensified in this specific direction to efficiently support initiatives toward more social and environmental justice, such as encouraging the development of climate migration databases and establishing specialized bodies. Parallel to this, it is suggested that enhancing the role of scientific evidence in policymaking should go hand in hand with strengthening the international legal frameworks; both will be essential to ensure that climate-displaced populations are adequately protected and supported.

Energy ethics in the assessment of local renewable energy projects: the need for a pluralistic approach

ABSTRACT Local decentralized energy projects are becoming an important component of the transition to renewable energy. These projects include aspirations that go beyond merely clean energy projection and include side benefits like fostering community empowerment, social cohesion, economic gains, and job opportunities. However, there is little evidence to what extend these projects deliver their promises and how different groups perceive the projects’ impacts in the post-implementation phase. Most of the existing assessment projects have a technoeconomic nature and are led by external stakeholders. Thus, they often fail to account for the local demands and expectations. The present study aims to bridge this gap by proposing the use of an ethical matrix combined with a follow-up deliberative workshop to evaluate the impact of local renewable energy projects postimplementation. Using the example of El Hierro Island’s local energy project, the study identifies project stakeholders and discusses their views. Results reveal significant differences in actor opinions, emphasizing the necessity to move beyond narrow project assessments to a pluralistic approach using ethical tools to challenge established moral frameworks.

Understanding Impacts of Neighbourhood Micro-Renewal Through a Lens of Place Value: A Case Study of Wuhan, China

Neighbourhood micro-renewal (NMIR) plays a critical role in the renewal landscape of urban China. However, an oversight in post-occupancy evaluation (POE) impedes the comprehensive understanding of NMIR’s impact and post-implementation efficacy. This research addresses this gap by leveraging the lens of place value to examine NMIR’s outcomes. Using Wuhan, China, as a case study, 10 Delphi consultations and 28 interviews were conducted among five stakeholder groups: local government, planning professionals, academics, community workers, and residents. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation (FCE) were combined to identify and rank potential indicators. A total of 6 primary and 22 secondary indicators were identified. The indicators were derived from four key policy areas—health, society, economy, and environment—highlighting the relationship among NMIR initiatives, their contribution to place quality, and alignment with policy goals. AHP and FCE results reveal substantial enhancements in environmental quality, residential properties, and public infrastructure. Nevertheless, the analysis exposes varied satisfaction levels and divergences in the perceived relevance of indicators among the government, professionals, and the residents, particularly concerning social cohesion. These disparities underscore the layered impacts of NMIR. This research recommends integrating resident feedback with expert insights to enhance place quality in NMIR projects by balancing physical upgrades with social considerations. It also advocates for a continuous, adaptable post-occupancy evaluation system to monitor and support place value over time. This system should be flexible and context-specific, allowing NMIR initiatives to adapt to diverse urban settings globally, thus supporting long-term sustainability and thriving urban communities.

Democracy in Local Communities: Direct Election System versus Deliberation System in the Minangkabau Ethnicity in West Sumatra, Indonesia

This paper focuses on the dissonance between the values of the democracy of local communities and the liberal democracy of the Minangkabau community in West Sumatra, Indonesia. A direct election system is adopted to elect the leader of the Minangkabau community. However, a qualitative study shows that, culturally, the Minangkabau community chooses its leader through a clan-based deliberation system, relying on communal rather than individual representation. Adopting direct election with the one-person-one- vote principle to elect the community leader has instead been a source of conflict. The ambiguous understanding of the community members regarding the principles of individual and collective representation has given rise to the conflict. The institutionalisation of a clan-based deliberation system in the community is a solution to solve the conflict. This scholarly inquiry underscores that the Minangkabau ethnic group's democratic ethos fosters an environment conducive to communal deliberations, thereby sustaining their social cohesion and integration.

Government Communication and Social Cohesion: A Contradiction of Words in Action?

Government Communication and Social Cohesion: A Contradiction of Words in Action?

The distance between us: the role of ideological proximity in shaping perceptions of inter-partisan relationships

ABSTRACT Escalating hostility between partisans threatens democratic governance and social cohesion by eroding trust and fuelling discriminatory behaviour towards opposing groups. This study investigates how people perceive the relations between different partisan groups and why certain pairs of partisans are viewed as friendlier or more hostile towards one another. Drawing on similarity-attraction theory in social psychology and research on affective polarization, I argue that citizens perceive the relationship as more friendly between individuals who support ideologically similar parties. The claim is empirically supported through the use of a novel survey item that assesses the likelihood of two partisans becoming good friends, across three multi-party democracies: Canada, Germany, and the UK. The findings suggest that the ideological proximity of parties not only shapes citizens’ perceptions of parties themselves but also influences their views of fellow citizens across party lines. By demonstrating that people consider party proximity and ideological alignment when evaluating inter-partisan relations, the study sheds light on how ideological and affective dimensions intertwine within these relationships in multi-party democracies.

Finding the Nexus between Gender-Based Violence and Conservation

This review paper explores the complex and multifaceted relationship between gender-based violence (GBV) and conservation efforts, emphasizing the interconnected challenges faced by rural communities. It analyzes how GBV undermines conservation outcomes by limiting women’s participation, eroding traditional ecological knowledge, exacerbating resource exploitation, and weakening community resilience. Drawing on case studies from Northern Ghana, India, and Tanzania, the paper highlights how environmental issues such as resource scarcity, displacement, and conservation-related conflicts increase the vulnerability of women to GBV. The review also discusses strategies for addressing these challenges, including empowering women, integrating gender considerations into conservation policies, and creating safe environments for participation. Finally, it calls for more research into the links between GBV and conservation, urging the development of targeted interventions that address the root causes of both GBV and environmental degradation. By integrating gender-sensitive approaches, conservation initiatives can achieve more equitable and sustainable outcomes for all community members. Keywords: Gender Equality, Women's Empowerment, Social Cohesion, Ecological Knowledge, Sustainable Resource Management

Navigating the cohesion-diversity trade-off: understanding the role of facilitators in co-creation using agent-based modelling.

In the domain of participatory research and co-creation, understanding the dynamic interplay between group cohesion and diversity is pivotal for fostering innovation. While diversity fuels the generation of novel ideas, cohesion ensures these ideas are effectively synthesized and implemented. This study aims to explore the nuanced role that facilitators play in navigating the balance between cohesion and diversity, particularly in groups characterized by pronounced faultlines. Employing agent-based modeling, the study examines how facilitators affect the cohesion-diversity nexus. The findings reveal a complex facilitator's paradox. While facilitative actions can successfully enhance group cohesion by mitigating the negative effect of faultlines, such efforts often inadvertently reduce the within-group diversity that is crucial for sparking innovative outcomes. These findings challenge the conventional view of faultlines as merely divisive and underscore the intricate role of facilitators in modulating group dynamics. This research discusses a novel framework for dynamic facilitation strategies, emphasizing the need for facilitators to skillfully balance cohesion and diversity. This framework not only enriches the theoretical understanding of group facilitation but also offers practical insights for optimizing collaborative innovation in diverse settings. This article is part of the theme issue 'Co-creating the future: participatory cities and digital governance'.

Mapalus as a Socio-Cultural System in Minahasa Society

This study aims to examine Mapalus as a socio-cultural system in Minahasa society, with a focus on an in-depth understanding of its historical roots, core values, roles in social structures, and adaptations and challenges faced in the modern era. The method used is a qualitative approach with a literature review type of research, involving a comprehensive analysis of various literature sources including books, journal articles, historical documents, and publications related to Mapalus and Minahasa culture. The results of the study indicate that Mapalus is a mutual cooperation system that has been deeply rooted in Minahasa society since ancient times, reflecting the values of cooperation, solidarity, and reciprocity. Mapalus has been shown to have an important role in the formation of social cohesion, resource management, and local economic development. Despite facing the challenges of modernization, Mapalus shows adaptability, evolution of form, and potential as a development model based on local wisdom. This study concludes that Mapalus remains relevant and has the potential to be a source of inspiration for the development of sustainable community-based development models.