Social Cohesion

Many scholars and development organisations seem to agree on the importance of nation-building in stabilising and assisting fragile states. Social cohesion is the key to development and political stability. There is a strong consensus on the positive effects of social cohesion on fragility but as Browne notes, there is little empirical evidence to support the claim (Browne, 2013). Nevertheless, social cohesion is still considered vital, more in some fragile states than others. While this paper recognizes the importance of social fragmentation in fragile states and its supposed contribution to fragility, it does not classify it as the largest factor and remains aware of other contributors. However, in the case of many African countries social

A lack of horizontal cohesion causes fear and loathing amongst different social groups, be it ethnic, religious, or political. This distrust might also be because of a sense of injustice; some groups might gain political preference while others are treated as second-class citizens (Browne, 2013). Violence and conflict thus erupts in an effort to fight for social or political rights. A lack of vertical trust, however, can also cause the eruption of violence. When citizens do not trust their government’s ability to provide security and basic services, it undermines the authority of the state thus crippling efforts of states to prevent or solve civil conflicts. Kaplan recognizes that state functions are affected by various elements of social fragmentation, specifically identity differences. He notes that: (i) racial and ethnic divides reduces support of government spending on government goods, because no one is willing to help each other, and (ii) a variety of competing ethnic groups combined with weak social institutions reduce efforts of development (Kaplan,

The World Bank states that certain jobs might create trust in institutions and allow for diverse groups to work together. Job creation policies are seldom problematic. It is attractive policies because jobs increase wealth and lowers economic inequality. Browne also voices a few concerns, such as the harm short-term job programmes can create. She also notes that most job opportunities are situated in the private sector (2013). Including the private sector in job creation programmes might render a job creation policy more viable, but it remains unknown if such a policy might increase social