PROTOCOL: The effect of cash transfers on social solidarity: A systematic review

Research suggests that social cohesion facilitates a wide /range of economic, social and political outcomes (Prewitt, Mackie and Habermann, 2014). For example, Knack and Keefer (1997) and Zak and Knack (2001) find that a country's level of trust is correlated to its rate of growth. Cross-country studies using pooled data from both high- and low- and middle-income countries (L&MICs) highlight the importance of social cohesion for the building of quality institutions, which in turn affect economic development and income inequality (Easterly, Ritzan and Woolcock, 2006). Conversely, cross-country evidence suggests that societies with fragile public institutions and fractioned societies respond worse to economic shock than those with high quality institutions and more social cohesion (Rodrik, 1999). Moreover, based on theoretical arguments and empirical evidence from both high-income countries (HICs) and L&MICs, Portes and Vickstrom (2011) argue that trust in political and civic institutions is necessary for democracy to work.Social solidarity and social cohesion as concepts can be traced back to Durkheim's classical work, where organic solidarity is understood as an outcome of social interactions generated by the division of labour in modern societies (Durkheim, 1893). The concept of social cohesion has received increased attention from academics (Sen, 1999; Easterly, Ritzan and Woolcock, 2006) and multilateral actors (World Bank, European Union, OECD, Canadian Heritage or ECLAC) in recent decades. Social cohesion here is the interdependence among individuals, which occurs as a result of these interactions.Social solidarity, social cohesion and social capital are multidimensional. In the contemporary debate they are related to political, institutional and interpersonal trust or stigma (as the opposite feeling to trust), social connectedness, civic engagement and collective action (King et al., 2010). Definitions of social cohesion place different emphasis on shared values, inequalities and civic engagement (Colletta and Cullen, 2000; Green, Janmaat and Han, 2009; Portes and Vickstrom, 2011). In all cases, however, social solidarity/cohesion entails cooperative behaviour among individuals and collectives, with a sense of value-based commitment (Wilde, 2007; Thome, 1999) and mutual esteem (Honneth, 2007; Wilde, 2007).Recent scholarship on social cohesion also highlights the role of norms that are understood and accepted by citizens, and enforced by specialized a