S01EP02 - Social Cohesion

What binds together the many cultures that make Aotearoa, New Zealand their home?

Summary

Paul Spoonley and I discuss social cohesion in New Zealand and the decline of trust in institutions. We explore the impact of factors like migration, violent extremism, COVID-19 policies, and media literacy on the social fabric. We discuss the need for representative diversity in institutions and the challenges posed by declining fertility and rapid population growth. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of rebuilding trust and reevaluating core institutions in a digital age.

Highlights

• 00:45 - Social cohesion is the level of trust, inclusion, and participation in a society.

• 02:30 - Declining trust in institutions, including government, media, and politicians, is a significant issue in New Zealand, contributing to a decline in social cohesion.

• 04:15 - Politicians and governments have a significant impact on social cohesion, and their behavior should align with the expectations of the public.

• 06:10 - The decline in trust and engagement with political media during the last election is concerning and may be connected to the decline in social cohesion.

• 11:00 - Representative diversity in institutions is crucial for rebuilding trust and enhancing social cohesion.

• 13:10 - Declining fertility and rapid population growth through immigration pose challenges to social cohesion and strain public infrastructure.

• 15:30 - Greater media literacy among the New Zealand public is necessary to combat misinformation and rebuild trust.

Key Insights

• The decline in trust and engagement with political media during elections suggests a lack of faith in institutions, impacting social cohesion.

• The mismatch between long-term planning and short-term policy focus by politicians hinders efforts to enhance social cohesion.

• The rise of social media has contributed to the spread of conspiratorial views, undermining trust in mainstream institutions.

• Digital literacy and respectful online participation are essential in a digital age and can promote social cohesion and active citizenship.

• The decline in social cohesion in New Zealand is evident through growing polarization, politicization, and online abuse and threats.

• The decline in trust in core institutions is a global phenomenon, but New Zealand’s trust levels remain higher compared to countries like the USA.

• Rebuilding trust and reevaluating core institutions are crucial steps in addressing the decline in social cohesion and strengthening societal fabric.