International Comparison of Social Cohesion

Abstract

This study aims to develop a social cohesion index, and to measure the level of social cohesion in Korea in comparison with other OECD countries. For these objectives, this study defined social cohesion in terms of four sub-dimensions and 19 indicators by using the Delphi method. We also calculated, using the AHP method, the weights of composite indicators. Measured against the social cohesion index developed in this study, Korea is ranked 29th among a total of 30 OECD countries in 2015. As for the sub-dimensions, Korea ranked 30th in social inclusion, 22nd in social capital, 24th in social mobility and 26th in social conflict and governance. These results are the outcome of subjective weighting which based on social facts of Korean society. Therefore, caution should be used in interpreting these results.