Abstract:

In the most general sense, social cohesion is evaluated through how people feel about the communities they live together, whether they respect each other, and how much they feel that they live in a safe and friendly environment. However, it is understood that the concept of social cohesion is used mostly with functional goals and incorrectly, is rarely defined, and the concept remains far from clarity. In this study, it is aimed to deal with the concept of social cohesion and to create a conceptual framework for readers, researchers, and field workers. In conclusion, the concept of social cohesion was evaluated in two dimensions: (1) combating the threats arising from social segregations and (2) strengthening social relations and social capital. The first dimension is embodied in (i) stance against xenophobia, (ii) prevention of discrimination and (iii) social exclusion; while the second is embodied in (iv) increasing social contact, (v) reducing social exclusion and (vi) strengthening social capital. These six phenomena were also evaluated as the main indicators of social cohesion.

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