Alyoshina, M. V. Cohesion of the Society as a New Trend of Social Policy: Sociological Analysis

Abstract: The author of the article provides a sociological analysis of the problem of social cohesion, describes methodology of the empiric research of the problem and modern scientifi c understanding of the problem in the form of a whole complex of ideas and theories revealing peculiarities of social compliance and social trust, social integration and inclusion, social solidarity and social distance which content depends on the social and political regime, stability and practical state policy. As a central factor of social cohesion in a post-industrial society, the author views cultural pluralism and variety of styles. The reason for this is that encouragement of individual consumption and fi nancial success leads to polarization of the population, estrangement and formation of social groups, social relations and models of social perception of people depending on their material prosperity. Based on the results of the analysis of theoretical sources and data obtained during the interregional sociological research, for the fi rst time in scientifi c literature the researcher defi nes conditions infl uencing the cohesion of the Russian society, proves the relation between the size of the community and the level of trust in the community. The researcher also proves that atomistic tendencies prevail in the modern society. This is important not only for expansion of the theoretical social knowledge but this also serves as the grounds for practical recommendations on improving state policy aimed at achievement of social cohesion at the national level.

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