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Social Cohesion: A Conceptual and Political Elucidation

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  • Andreas Novy
  • Daniela Coimbra Swiatek
  • Frank Moulaert

Abstract

This article aims to clarify the concept of social cohesion by embedding it within a dynamic, multiscalar and complex understanding of socioeconomic development in the city. Section 1 gives a European perspective on the relationship between differing views of social cohesion and urban policy and how its relation to competitiveness is inherent to contemporary EU cohesion discourse. It examines the ambiguity of policy orientations that seek an answer to this failing functionalisation. Section 2 unravels the complexity and multidimensionality of social cohesion as a problématique . It systematises social cohesion as an ‘open concept’, distinguishing between its socioeconomic, cultural, ecological and political dimensions. Section 3 offers ways of accommodating the tensions and contradictions between cohesion and competitiveness inherent in capitalist market economies, and argues in favour of a progressive neo-structuralist approach, capable of laying out policies to make cities more inclusive for all inhabitants in all their uniqueness and diversity.

Suggested Citation

  • Andreas Novy & Daniela Coimbra Swiatek & Frank Moulaert, 2012. "Social Cohesion: A Conceptual and Political Elucidation," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 49(9), pages 1873-1889, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:49:y:2012:i:9:p:1873-1889
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098012444878
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    1. Stijn Oosterlynck & Andreas Novy & Yuri Kazepov & Gert Verschraegen & Tatiana Saruis & Fabio Colombo & Pieter Cools & Roberta Cucca & Bernhard Leubolt & Carla Weinzierl, 2016. "Towards a more effective governance of socially innovative policies – First insights from the case studies," ImPRovE Working Papers 16/11, Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy, University of Antwerp.
    2. Andreas Novy, 2017. "Transformative Social Innovation," SRE-Disc sre-disc-2017_05, Institute for Multilevel Governance and Development, Department of Socioeconomics, Vienna University of Economics and Business.
    3. Juan-Luis Klein & Diane-Gabrielle Tremblay & Laurent Sauvage & Leila Ghaffari & Wilfredo Angulo, 2019. "Cultural Initiatives and Local Development: A Basis for Inclusive Neighborhood Revitalization," Urban Planning, Cogitatio Press, vol. 4(1), pages 78-90.
    4. Stijn Oosterlynck & Yuri Kazepov & Andreas Novy & Pieter Cools & Eduardo Barberis & Florian Wukovitsch & Tatiana Saruis & Bernhard Leubolt, 2013. "The butterfly and the elephant: local social innovation, the welfare state and new poverty dynamics," ImPRovE Working Papers 13/03, Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy, University of Antwerp.
    5. Caterina Cortese & Annegret Haase & Katrin Grossmann & Iva Ticha, 2014. "Governing Social Cohesion in Shrinking Cities: The Cases of Ostrava, Genoa and Leipzig," European Planning Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 22(10), pages 2050-2066, October.
    6. David Schiefer & Jolanda Noll, 2017. "The Essentials of Social Cohesion: A Literature Review," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 132(2), pages 579-603, June.
    7. Stigendal, Mikael & Novy, Andreas, 2018. "A critical realist knowledge production: Enhancing a Potential-oriented Approach," SRE-Discussion Papers 2018/06, WU Vienna University of Economics and Business.

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