This article synthesizes new evidence on the relationship between forced displacement and social cohesion. The authors define social cohesion as “a sense of shared purpose, trust and willingness to cooperate among members of a given group, between members of different groups, and between people and the state.”
The authors review eight papers featured in a special issue of World Development, covering research in over 30 countries, and employing a variety of methodological approaches. The findings from these papers provide insights into three critical dimensions of the relationship between displacement and social cohesion: the impact of displacement on host communities, the influence of pre-existing conditions in those communities, and the role of state policies in shaping social cohesion.
Main findings:
- The presence of refugees or internally displaced persons (IDPs) in a community does not necessarily undermine social cohesion. Host communities do not consistently become hostile towards displaced people upon their arrival.
- The social and economic condition of host communities are crucial determinants of relations between hosts and displaced populations. Specifically, poor economic conditions and anti-refugee rhetoric from elites exacerbate social tensions, while improved service delivery and economic conditions enhance, or at the very least, do not harm social cohesion.
- Integrative policies towards the displaced can enhance social cohesion. State policies that promote the integration of refugees and IDPs can reduce tensions between host communities and the displaced and promote social cohesion. Investments in public goods and other forms of integration contribute to improvements in the wellbeing of both displaced persons and host communities, thereby mitigating tensions.
The authors conclude that the impact of displacement on social cohesion is not predetermined. In localities with healthy economies and welcoming attitudes, the arrival of refugees and IDPs does not necessarily diminish social cohesion. Even in less favorable conditions, policies aimed at meaningfully integrating displaced individuals into host communities can significantly enhance social cohesion.