Social Cohesion in the Western World (eBook)

Kai Unzicker is Senior Project Manager at the Bertelsmann Stiftung in Gütersloh and is heading the Social Cohesion Radar project. He holds a degree in sociology from Philipps-University Marburg and a doctoral degree in educational science from the University of Bielefeld. Before joining Bertelsmann Stiftung he was a research associate at the Institute for Interdisciplinary Research on Conflict and Violence (University of Bielefeld).

Foreword 6
Measuring Common Ground: Bertelsmann Stiftung’s Social Cohesion Radar 6
Acknowledgements 12
Contents 13
About the Authors 16
List of Figures 18
List of Tables 20
Introduction 23
References 29
1 Theoretical Framework of the Social Cohesion Radar 31
Abstract 31
1.1 Roots in (Modern) Classics 31
1.2 Previous Research on Cohesion 34
1.3 Definition of Social Cohesion 36
1.4 Disambiguation 39
References 42
2 Methodology of the Social Cohesion Radar 44
Abstract 44
2.1 Countries and Time Periods 45
2.2 Secondary Data Sources 46
2.2.1 Survey Data 47
2.2.2 Expert Ratings 49
2.2.3 Institutional Data 49
2.3 Method: A Step-by-Step Guide 50
2.3.1 Initial Selection of Indicators 50
2.3.2 Data Preparation 52
2.3.3 Reducing the Number of Indicators 53
2.3.4 Final Selection of Indicators 54
2.3.5 Reflective Measurement of Dimensions 55
2.3.6 Completion of Dimension Scores 58
2.3.7 Formative Measurement of Social Cohesion 59
2.3.8 Limitations of the Approach 60
2.3.9 Five-Color Grouping Scheme 60
References 61
3 Level and Trend of Social Cohesion 64
Abstract 64
3.1 Overall Index of Cohesion 64
3.1.1 Most Recent Wave, 2009–2012 65
3.1.2 Overall Index Changes Over Time 66
3.2 Domains of Cohesion 66
3.2.1 Social Relations 66
3.2.2 Connectedness 68
3.2.3 Focus on the Common Good 68
3.3 Dimensions of Cohesion 68
3.3.1 Social Relations, Trust in People, Acceptance of Diversity 69
3.3.2 Identification, Trust in Institutions, Perception of Fairness 69
3.3.3 Solidarity and Helpfulness, Respect for Social Rules, Civic Participation 72
References 74
4 Syndrome Character and Regimes of Social Cohesion 75
Abstract 75
4.1 Syndrome Character 76
4.2 Regimes of Social Cohesion 79
4.2.1 Nordic Regime 81
4.2.2 English-Speaking and Small Western European Regime 83
4.2.3 Northwestern European Regime 83
4.2.4 Mediterranean and Eastern European Regime 84
4.2.5 Levantine Regime 84
4.2.6 Southeastern European Regime 84
References 85
5 Macro-Level Causes and Effects of Social Cohesion 87
Abstract 87
5.1 Determinants and Outcomes of the Overall Index 88
5.1.1 Wealth and Economic Situation 89
5.1.2 Income Inequality and the Welfare State 91
5.1.3 Demographics 91
5.1.4 Structural Modernization 92
5.1.5 Diversity 92
5.1.6 Culture and Values 93
5.1.7 Subjective Well-Being 93
5.2 Determinants and Outcomes of the Single Dimensions 94
5.2.1 Wealth and Economic Situation 94
5.2.2 Income Inequality and the Welfare State 98
5.2.3 Demographics 99
5.2.4 Structural Modernization 100
5.2.5 Diversity 101
5.2.6 Culture and Values 101
5.2.7 Subjective Well-Being 102
5.3 The Strongest Determinants of Social Cohesion 102
References 104
6 Social Cohesion, Values of Individuals, and Their Well-being 106
Abstract 106
6.1 Individual Values and Social Cohesion 107
6.2 Social Cohesion and the Well-Being of Individuals 111
6.2.1 Well-Being of Individuals Is Higher in More Cohesive Countries 115
6.2.2 Cohesive Societies Are Good for Everyone 115
References 118
7 A Case Study: Social Cohesion in Germany 120
Abstract 120
7.1 Data and Methods 121
7.1.1 Secondary Data Sources 121
7.1.1.1 Survey Data 121
7.1.1.2 Institutional Data 123
7.1.2 Method 123
7.2 Level and Trend of Cohesion 125
7.3 Determinants of Cohesion 128
7.4 Subjective Well-Being as Outcome 131
7.4.1 More Cohesive Regions Are Happier on Average 132
7.4.2 Individual Subjective Well-Being Is Higher in More Cohesive Regions 132
7.4.3 Are Cohesive Regions Good for Everyone? 134
References 135
8 Conclusion and Outlook 137
Abstract 137
8.1 Summary and Discussion 137
8.2 Future Research 141
References 142
Appendix 143