Conclusion and Outlook

Abstract

The last chapter of the book opens with a concise account of the conceptual and methodological premises of the Social Cohesion Radar. It also summarizes the core empirical findings on both national and regional cohesion with respect to level and trend, regimes, determinants and outcomes. We point to the main limitations of our approach, namely the inability to identify absolute standings and trends, and suggest the collection of dedicated primary data as a sustainable solution. Last but not least, we advocate for the extension of the Social Cohesion Radar in two directions. Given the centrality of people’s place of residence in daily life, students of cohesion can get a more in-depth understanding through microscopic studies on finer administrative divisions of nation states. On the other hand, large-scale international comparisons of countries from different geographical regions, cultural backgrounds, and levels of economic and political development seem highly relevant for worldwide collaborative practices to promote social cohesion and thereby, a happier life for everyone.