Part one considers the meaning of social cohesion in cities. Part two explores patterns and trends in different dimensions of cohesion and exclusion. It focuses on the level of the city and social and spatial disparities in cities. It includes a statistical analysis of connections between different aspects of cohesion, including employment, income and deprivation, education, health, crime, and housing and residential segregation. Part three analyses cohesion at different scales and examines its relationship to economic and governance issues, based on case studies of Medway, Leicester, Burnley, Leeds and Sunderland. The case studies also examine the difference policy appears to make to social conditions in the cities. Part four summaries the evidence and considers the implications for government policy.

The research was carried out in order to provide an assessment of the state of social cohesion in English cities focusing on four broad themes: 1) patterns – the differences in social conditions between and within cities; 2) trends – recent social changes in cities and whether things have been getting better or worse; 3) processes – the determinants of recent social change and trends; and 4) policies – the role of government policies and the issues to be addressed in the future. This report contributes to the overall State of the English cities report.

The report draws on evidence from official statistical sources, the State of the English Cities database, and detailed case studies of five cities.

English cities appear to be of significance to society because of the unique density and diversity of their populations. Cities face disproportionate challenges of social exclusion and inequality, with high levels of deprivation and concentrations of poverty. There appears to be a strong relationship between poverty and worklessness. Residential segregation of different cultural or ethnic groups is higher in cities than elsewhere. The findings highlight regional differences in the issues facing cities. Social trends in cities in recent years seem to have improved with improvements in employment conditions, life expectancy, health and education. Employment is one of the factors important in determining social change. Government policies are seen to contribute to social and economic progress in a variety of ways in the different cities.

Communities and Local Government
Eland House, Bressenden Place, London SW1E 5DU
Phone: +44 20 7944 4400
Contactus@communities.gsi.gov.uk

01/11/2006

Professor Ivan Turok, Department of Urban Studies, University of Glasgow; Professor Ade Kearns, University of Glasgow; Dave Fitch, Communities Scotland; John Flint, Sheffield Hallam University; Carol McKenzie, Heriot Watt University; Joanne Abbotts, University of Glasgow

research

Urban Policy

Social inclusion & integration