Social Cohesion and Community during Periods of Change

Lord Loomba Excerpts

Friday 6th December 2024 Lords Chamber

[Lord Loomba (CB)]

My Lords, I rise to contribute to this important debate with gratitude to the most reverend Primate the Archbishop of York for bringing our attention to the vital issue of social cohesion and the strength of supportive community life in an era of rapid change and global uncertainty. The Motion before us touches the very essence of our shared responsibility to uphold the values and practices that bind our society together, particularly when faced with challenges that so easily divide us.

Social cohesion is not merely the absence of conflict. It requires the active presence of respectful relationships, opportunities for meaningful participation and a shared sense of belonging. A society that cultivates these qualities not only survives periods of uncertainty, but thrives within them.

Drawing on my experience of working with disadvantaged individuals and communities, I would like to offer four key observations that I believe can enrich this discussion. First, social tensions are often framed in terms of divisions between groups of differing backgrounds. However, some of the most painful and damaging rifts arise within communities, and even within families. Disputes over norms, roles and expectations can fracture relationships just as deeply as cultural or religious divides. In my work with marginalised communities, I have witnessed individuals ostracised within their own families due to entrenched attitudes or outdated customs. Such internal divisions weaken the social fabric and diminish a community’s ability to act collectively. Addressing these fractures requires us to move beyond broad categories of identity to examine the relational dynamics that corrode cohesion from within.

Secondly, education remains a cornerstone of social cohesion, enabling individuals to navigate both change and resistance to it. Education fosters empathy and understanding, particularly during times of transformation. It also serves as a pathway to social mobility, equipping individuals with the tools they need to engage fully and confidently in society. However, education must extend beyond the acquisition of knowledge. It must be a process that cultivates dialogue, mutual respect and a shared understanding of our interconnected world. Curricula that include diverse perspectives and histories—both local and global—can counteract polarisation and promote a sense of common purpose.

Thirdly, cultural expression and the preservation of heritage are powerful instruments for building cohesion and resilience. When communities have the opportunity to share their traditions and their perspectives on shared heritage, they develop a stronger sense of identity and belonging. This, in turn, fosters mutual appreciation of diversity, enriching society as a whole. Community festivals, arts initiatives and storytelling programmes can break down barriers, replacing suspicion with solidarity. By creating spaces for cultural exchange, we allow trust and understanding to flourish.

Finally, I wish to underscore the corrosive impact of comparative disadvantage. When communities feel excluded from opportunities or experience restricted access to services, feelings of discontent and alienation often follow. These disparities breed resentment, fuel a sense of injustice and erode the very foundations of social cohesion. The recent economic challenges faced by many in the UK underscore the urgency of addressing such inequalities. A society that ensures fair and equitable access to opportunities and resources is one that builds cohesion and resilience. As we work to strengthen our communities, we must remain steadfast in supporting those who have been left behind.

In conclusion, social cohesion is not an abstract ideal but a practical necessity for navigating times of change and uncertainty. It demands commitment at every level of society, within families, communities and institutions alike. Education, cultural exchange and an unwavering focus on equity and inclusion are indispensable tools in this endeavour. I commend this House for recognising the importance of this issue and I urge us all to continue fostering the conditions for a more unified, supportive and resilient society. Thank you.