This report presents findings from the research project Beyond Us and Them, carried out by the University of Kent and Belong - the Cohesion and Integration Network. The research has been funded by the Nuffield Foundation and explores social cohesion during the COVID-19 crisis.
The report presents key findings on trust and cohesion, gleaned from comparison of six local authority areas that have invested in cohesion programmes with other areas that have not. Research asked the central question: 'are local places that prioritise cohesion and integration, and that have invested in local community building and responses, likely to recover more quickly from crisis and develop greater future resilience?'
The research drew on models of social cohesion in social science literature in order to determine the most relevant indicators of social cohesion. The results chosen for presentation in the study pertain to:
Relations between the individual and the state
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Trust in the government;
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Perception of governmental restrictions and decisions as appropriate;
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Engagement in social activism (e.g. engaging in a local campaign online, signing a petition, volunteering or donating to a cause).
Relations between the individual and their fellow citizens
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Attitudes towards immigration;
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Trust in other people to respect social distancing measures in place;
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Density of social relations during lockdown (the quality and quantity of social connections with friends, family and neighbours).
The researchers note that the findings clearly portray a greater sense of social cohesion in the six local authority areas in comparison with other areas. A second round of data collection, focus groups and interviews will add to this preliminary research.
Access the report in full here.
Details
- Authors
- Dominic Abrams, Fanny Lalot, Jo Broadwood, Kaya Davies Hayon, Isobel Platts-Dunn
- Geographic area
- United Kingdom
- Original source
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