(The latest version of this page is at Pattern Descriptions. An archived copy of this page is held at https://www.patternsofpower.org/edition02/4472.htm)
Cohesiveness can be increased if there is more interaction between people from different ethnic groups. This requires effort on everyone’s part:
· People’s sense of belonging to a society increases as they experience friendliness, solicitude and helpfulness from other people – in addition to the minimum politeness required for socially-acceptable behaviour. Invitations to join in social activities need to be both extended and accepted. The stronger people’s positive feelings about the society as a whole, beyond their ethnic group, the less likely it is that conflict will emerge.
· Mixed-faith schools can play a very important role in providing a natural foundation for increased interaction.
People's practice of socially-acceptable behaviour in friendly interactions reinforces it as a social norm, and people can discourage non-conforming behaviour by their peers.
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