Social Cohesion as a Real-life Phenomenon: Exploring the Validity of the Universalist and Particularist Perspectives

Appendix 1. Composition of social cohesion indicators

The composition of the religious-secular and survival-selfexpression dimensions:

Items from WVS	Traditional- religious vs rational-secular values *___________	Survival vs selfexpression values **
	Factor loadings	Factor loadings
God is not very important in respondent’s life_______	.91_____________________
It is less important for a child to learn obedience and religious faith than independence and determination (autonomy index)__________________	.88
Abortion is always justifiable______________________	.82
Respondent does not have a strong sense of national pride_______________________________________	.81
Respondent opposes more respect for authority	.73
Respondent gives priority to self-expression and quality of life over economic and physical security (4-item MaterialisVPostmaterialist Values Index ***)		^-87
Respondent describes self as very happy___________		.81
Homosexuality is always justifiable________________		.77_________________
Respondent has or would sign a petition___________		.74_________________
Most people can be trusted_______________________		.46_________________

* secular is positive pole; ** selfexpression is positive pole; *** see Appendix 2.

Nb: adapted from Inglehart and Welzel (2005: 49).

Items composing the civic participation indicator:

“Please look carefully at the following list of voluntary organizations and activities and
say which, if any, you belong to:”

- social welfare for elderly, handicapped or deprived people;

-religious or church organizations;

- education, arts, music or cultural activities;

- trade unions;

- political parties;

- third world development or human rights;

- conservation, environment, animal rights groups;

- professional associations;

- youth work;