Discussion Paper

Determinants of social cohesion: cross-country evidence

Walle, Yabibal M.
Discussion Paper (18/2022)

Bonn: German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS)

ISBN: 978-3-96021-197-6
DOI: https://doi.org/10.23661/idp18.2022
Price: 6 €

Noting that few studies to date have investigated the determinants of social cohesion in a comprehensive and systematic manner, this paper examines the macro-level determinants of social cohesion using a panel of up to 92 developing and developed countries for the period 1990–2020. Employing the system GMM dynamic panel data estimator, which addresses endogeneity concerns by means of internal instruments, I find that the levels of education, government size, globalisation, and economic development have significantly positive effects on most dimensions of a country’s social cohesion. In contrast, inflation, corruption and income inequality are detrimental to social cohesion.