Restoring the Feelgood Vibe: Rebuilding Social Cohesion for a Fair Future

The concept of social cohesion is meant to evoke a sense of optimism, positive expectations about the future, trust, and a shared sense of belonging. However, in today's chaotic world, that once-promising vision seems increasingly out of reach. The phrase has become a well-intentioned weasel word, its meaning shifting depending on the audience and context.

Is social cohesion about finding common ground and places of real exchange, or is it simply about enforcing the rule of law and shutting up to get on with life? The answers to these questions have become increasingly murky, especially in the aftermath of the Bondi Beach terror attack that targeted Jewish people celebrating Hanukah last December.

This tragic event has brought the issue of social cohesion to the forefront as an urgent problem that must be solved. Policymakers and community leaders are grappling with how to rebuild a sense of community resilience and counter the growing fear that threatens to tear society apart.

Restoring the feelgood vibe of social cohesion will require a multifaceted approach. It's not just about finding the