David Rose, NCCA’s policy and advocacy consultant reflects on some of the ideas from the recent National Social Cohesion conference organised by the Baha’i Community.
Social cohesion is that most elusive of concepts defying easy definition; and yet we readily recognise its absence in social breakdown, racism, discrimination and marginalisation of groups with lack of participation in society and the economy.
The visceral abhorrence at the recent Nazi stunt outside the NSW Parliament, touched the nerve of an inherent Australian decency, belief in equality and the ‘fair go’. This attempt to sow seeds of discord and splinter society was roundly rejected.
Social cohesion is like the glue that holds us together, pointing to a shared vision and values that are inclusive and expansive, encompassing the rich diversity of the many cultures and faiths that comprise Australian society.
In recent years, the Baha’i Community has conducted 50 roundtable discussions in all States and Territories seeking to better understand social cohesion. Participants spoke of the values and qualities around which Australian society coalesce: reciprocity, generosity, compassion, love and respect for the dignity of all. They valued collaboration, being open to learning and working for the common good.
Concerns were voiced about a shallow multiculturalism enabling people to live side by side leading to cultural silos and exclusion through the language of ‘othering’ seeded in prejudice and racism.
Social media offers a platform for such fractious views that can lead to fragmentation and descend into tribalism and insularity. Multiculturalism needs to move beyond superficial inclusion and tolerance to appreciating and celebrating one another’s cultural contributions as belonging to all.
The Baha’i report Creating an Inclusive Narrative urges us “to look beyond the ‘smorgasbord of cuisines’ version of diversity and recognise that true value is derived from the people – their ideas and cultural frameworks, perspectives, talents and insights.”
They argue that there is a difference between ‘valid’ and ‘being valued’. Validity is about the right to exist: being valued is to be heard, to belong, to contribute. An evolving multicultural society is where everyone has the opportunity to fully and meaningfully participate.
Not being heard or overlooked can make individuals and minorities feel like they have no worth and unable to engage and integrate with society. Such feelings of alienation can make people more prone to exploitation by extremist views. This may have been the case with some of those who stood in front of the NSW Parliament though this cannot excuse nor fully explain the pernicious nature of Nazism.
The Scanlon Institute’s Mapping Social Cohesion 2025, the most comprehensive, ongoing profile of Australia’s social cohesion offers cause for hope: 84% of Australians agreed that multiculturalism has been good for Australia; on average 79% of Australians are happy or very happy; 54% of Australians are involved in some form of social, religious, civic or political group.
People who perceive strong cohesion in their neighbourhoods and actively participate are more likely to have a great sense of belonging in Australia, to believe that most people can be trusted, be happy and accepting of immigrants.
It appears that Australia’s social cohesion remains resilient but we cannot take it for granted. We must remain vigilant and be proactive in promoting an inclusive and participative multicultural society.