Social cohesion

Social cohesion is therefore enjoying sustained popularity – and for good reason. For whilst self-fulfilment and individualism shaped the image of society during past decades of relative political and economic stability, the concept of social cohesion is once again coming to the fore in the public consciousness in the face of mounting crises – on the one hand as something under pressure from diverse threats and crises, and on the other as a vital resource in times of major societal challenges and social change.

The question of what holds societies together is also linked to the question of what makes a society resilient, liveable and sustainable. What exactly fosters cohesion at local, regional and national levels, or within one’s own country and across Europe? To what extent is it currently threatened by polarisation and division, and what are the drivers of the erosion of cohesion that many people are concerned about? Is it threatened by polarising developments such as globalisation, digitalisation and migration? Or do socio-economic inequalities tend to lead to tensions, friction and conflicts within society that undermine cohesion? Or are tensions and conflicts deliberately fuelled, with resentment being consciously stoked? Or even radicalisation? And how can liberal democracies stand up to such developments and regain trust?

All these questions demonstrate how crucial it is to conduct academic research into the prerequisites, changes and effects of social cohesion. For instance, empirical social research can, through regular population surveys, provide insights into which factors are considered relevant to social cohesion and which developments strengthen or weaken it. The interdisciplinary analysis of the causes and effects of these developments, as well as their historical context, helps to provide a nuanced understanding of the current state of our societies and thus also to identify starting points for political action.

Since 2018, the funding measures have centred on the establishment of the "Research Centre for Social Cohesion (FGZ)”, which is now in its second funding phase (2024–2029). In addition, relevant funding guidelines have been successively introduced. Further information can be found here: and, in particular, examines the significance of multiple crises for social cohesion: How is social cohesion threatened in times of transformation? But also: How does cohesion become effective in the face of these challenges? The FGZ places particular emphasis on the question of whether there is a specifically democratic form of cohesion and what constitutes democratic cohesion. When is cohesion democratic? How and through what does democratic cohesion manifest itself in a global comparison and in competition with alternative concepts?

Furthermore, following a resolution by the German Bundestag, the BMFTR has been funding the establishment of the Conflict Academy ‘ConflictA’ at Bielefeld University since 2023. The aim of ConflictA is to foster a better understanding of social conflicts and their practical resolution. For example, local conflict situations are analysed, along with how they are addressed on the ground in the city, municipality or neighbourhood. In this way, ConflictA brings together academia, practitioners and the public to develop new, practice-oriented approaches to conflict management.