Social Futures Institute
     

Community Cohesion

Dr Colin Webster, Dr Roger Sapsford and Professor Tim Blackman

Sponsor/collaborating institutions

The project has been commissioned by Middlesbrough Council and forms part of the national Community Cohesion Pathfinder Programme.

Background

A number of reports into urban unrest in the UK have identified a breakdown in community cohesion as a cause of outbreaks of violence and deepening tensions and divisions, often race-related. The government is promoting a preventative approach to these problems, encouraging local authorities to engage their diverse communities in a common vision and sense of belonging, positive valuing of diversity, equal opportunities and stronger cross-community relationships.

Aims

  • To identify statistical data that can be monitored and used as performance indicators in relation to community cohesion.
  • To elicit the views of harder to reach groups in Middlesbrough.
  • To develop a model for supporting learning about community cohesion, linked with Middlesbrough's Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy.

Methods

  • A statistical analysis of social cohesion and social segregation.
  • Focus groups with young Asian men, young Asian women, young white men and asylum seekers and refugees.
  • An evaluation of the council's community cohesion projects.
  • Development of a model for a learning group structure that utilizes feedback about community cohesion.

Key findings