Key points

Psychology can offer important insights about psychological factors that underpin social conflict and the most effective ways to bring people together to maximise positive relationships and productive outcomes.
These insights include approaches to resolving conflicts, and forms of governance that prioritise co-operation over coercion.
Drawing on psychological science, we can help people to understand why social cohesion is important, to see how their own behaviour can threaten social cohesion, and how they can play a part in solutions. Psychology can offer hope and generate optimism. It can also speed social change to promote and maintain social cohesion.
Five key tips from psychology to promote social cohesion are:
- Understand what factors promote social cohesion and why it breaks down
- Strengthen people’s identities
- Focus on community strengths instead of punitive measures
- Provide safe ways to express conflict
- Promote cultural competence
Any strategy to effectively promote social cohesion requires long-term vision, planning and leadership.

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