The Mapping Social Cohesion 2022 study comes at an important time for social cohesion in Australia. Around the world, social, political, and economic turbulence has seen social cohesion emerge as a critical global issue. In 2022, the experience of war, economic uncertainty, the coronavirus pandemic, and widespread political divisions and protests potentially adds to existing long-running pressures.

The survey provides critical new information on how social cohesion is faring in Australia. This is the 16th survey in the series dating back to 2007, expanding what is now an unparalleled resource for understanding and tracking changes in the attitudes, perceptions, and behaviours of Australians.

Three key findings emerge from this year’s results:

• Social cohesion in Australia increased during the pandemic but is now declining. As we readjust to life after the pandemic, we are at a crucial tipping point where we can solidify and strengthen social cohesion or allow it to further weaken.
• Australia’s population-wide support for multiculturalism is high and growing, and it is an enormous advantage in responding to the pressures placed on social cohesion.
• The degree to which we feel a sense of belonging and connectedness in our neighbourhoods has been high and growing since the start of the pandemic. However, our sense of pride, belonging, and social justice In Australia are declining and are now at their lowest levels since 2007.