Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Department of Social Sciences - Berlin Graduate School of Social Science

Bujar Aruqaj

Name
Bujar Aruqaj
Cohort

BGSS Generation 2016

 

Title

Social Cohesion as a Determinant of Human Development: Conceptualization, Theoretical Implications and Empirical Evidence

 

Abstract

The project seeks to connect the concepts of social cohesion and human development as defined under the human capabilities approach. Initially, the literature used to explain social cohesion is reviewed and a new definition is proposed that extends along previous ones. The stand that social cohesion can essentially be measured only through “subjective” or perception-based indicators is supported throughout this prospectus and applied in the preliminary findings. The literature present in sociology, social psychology, and development studies, particularly the one related to the concept of cohesion is analyzed to construct an extensive conceptual literature review. Furthermore, a theoretical framework is proposed to explore the value and the conducive effects of cohesion on human development. Some empirical evidence is presented to infer this link between cohesion and human functionings and to lay the foundation for further empirical inquiry into the topic. Additional research questions that the project should address are raised and a detailed structure of further steps that need to be taken towards the final dissertation are presented, including structure of articles, research gaps and hypothesis formation.