<
https://www.theguardian.com/society/ng-interactive/2026/mar/23/social-cohesion-meaning-has-lost-feelgood-vibe>
"One term has already become the well-intentioned weasel word of 2026: “social
cohesion”. A phrase that can be dropped into speeches, inquiries and
legislation, its meaning shape-shifts depending on the audience. Is it about
“glue” or the rule of law? About community resilience or countering fear? Does
it mean finding places of real exchange, or shutting up and getting on?
Although it has been in the political lexicon for years, the terror attack that
targeted Jewish people celebrating Hanukah in Bondi last December brought
social cohesion to the fore as an urgent problem to solve.
Social cohesion should evoke optimism, positive expectations about the future,
trust and belonging. That seems almost out of reach in a chaotic world that
amplifies feeling, makes thinking hard and is overflowing with institutions
(and leaders) who encourage hate.
As a result of the Bondi tragedy, antisemitism has become the bellwether of
diminishing cohesion.
For many people in Australia, social cohesion has lost its feelgood vibe.
Now, the term provokes cynicism, confusion – even anger. Some hear social
consensus or social conformity. No dissent allowed. It doesn’t yet come with an
embedded action plan grounded in the distinctively Australian commitment to a
fair go."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
