Social integration is an important aspect of a person’s development. It requires intense cognitive effort and a mastery of a person’s social environment. This paradigm has dominated personal psychology for decades. Unfortunately, it has led to the dehumanisation of modern societies and organisations. Social integration is a complex construct, and it takes time for a person to develop the psychosocial faculties and trust that will enable them to adapt to their roles effectively.
Social integration is a multidimensional construct
Social integration is a multidimensional construct involving a range of factors, including the degree to which a person participates in social relationships, group identification, support, and social capital. It is associated with well-being, and has significant implications for academic outcomes. Among other factors, social integration can be related to a person’s disposable income, sense of belonging, and trust in others.
Although there is a strong correlation between poor social integration and poor mental health, few studies have taken a more comprehensive approach, including assessing the social networks and connections that shape social integration. Until recently, research on social integration has focused on economic resources and psychological distress, but few have paid attention to the multidimensional nature of social integration and its effects on overall health.
According to the OECD, a cohesive society is one that is resistant to exclusion, fosters trust, and provides opportunities for upward mobility. Social cohesion has a strong connection to shared norms and values. These norms and values enable people to contribute to the achievement of common goals, and provide a common base for interpersonal relationships. However, in the modern world, social cohesion is often a disputed topic.
Regardless of the definition, social integration requires an individual to demonstrate a willingness to accept people of different backgrounds, and to be tolerant of them. In addition to embracing diverse cultures and values, social integration fosters a sense of belonging, voluntary social participation, and a sense of belonging to communities.
Another concept related to social integration is participation and performance. Participation and performance refers to an individual’s ability to take part in a group, and the ability to carry out a group task. Research on these constructs has found strong associations between task performance and positive group affect.
There are numerous studies that investigate social cohesion. Some examine the role of formal institutions in fostering social cohesion. For example, Alaluf describes social cohesion as a sense of belonging and family organization. This theory has implications for the role of formal institutions in promoting social cohesion. These institutions may also provide equal opportunities for citizens.
