Interdependence explains how and when crises impact social cohesion

Crises may bring people together or drive them apart. However, it is not clear whether crises undermine or enhance social cohesion or how such effects might develop over time. We compare four types of crises—natural hazards, pandemics, economic downturns, and wars—to explain their effects on social cohesion from an interdependence theoretical perspective. We argue that social cohesion depends on how much people depend on each other and the government, the (un)equality of these dependencies, and whether people’s interests conflict or align. Based on our theory-guided review, we conclude that the four crises are likely to differ in how (and when) they might affect social cohesion within societies. These insights may help societies better prepare for future crises by clarifying when they may heighten cohesion or division. This Perspective puts forward the view that social cohesion in crises depends on how much people depend on each other and the government, the (un)equality of these dependencies, and whether people’s interests conflict or align.