Which social cohesion? Five integration factors to the test of the crisis

// ABSTRACT IN ENGLISH: Why do human societies remain united and do not dissolve into a fine dust of individuals and small groups? What factors create social cohesion beyond our more proximate social relations? Guido Gili critically examines some of the most important responses that sociology has given to this fundamental problem: sharing the core values of society; participation in a common horizon of meaning; reciprocity of interests; envy in social life; trust in usual appearances of others. Second, the essay shows that each of these responses assigns to the media a very significant role. Finally, it highlights some events and processes that weaken or strengthen these factors of social cohesion in Italian society today.