illustration for the drivers of inequality

Driver Category 7.5

Lack of social cohesion and social trust

This driver captures how lack of social cohesion and social trust affects the quality of some individuals' lives as a result of fractured communities and distrust leading to the isolation of some individuals and groups. This may occur as a result of war and conflict, large influx of new immigrants, etc.

Guiding Questions

General questions

  • Are some groups in the community distrusted?
  • Are these groups excluded from community activities?
  • Are feelings of distrust based on historical events such as conflict and war?
  • Does distrust lead to conflict and lack of community cohesion?
  • Are some groups treated as outsiders?
  • For example are members of traveller communities and Roma generally mistrusted and not made welcome?
  • Do new migrants integrate well into the community?
  • Are migrants treated with suspicion and excluded from community activities?
  • Are efforts made to improve social cohesion through collective activities and inclusive celebrations?
  • Are there community liason officers who help to build links and trust across different groups living in a single community?
  • Is the diversity of people’s different backgrounds and circumstances appreciated and positively valued?

Indicators

Potential indicators to monitor the drivers of inequalities in this main driver category

  • Number of community liaison officers employed by local government
  • Amount spent on community events designed to promote social cohesion and social trust
  • Amount of public spending on information campaigns regarding discrimination
  • Amount of public spending on supporting community groups working to improve social cohesion

Candidate Policies

To see related Candidate Policies in this main driver category please click here.