Exclusionary Cohesion? Rethinking the Nexus between Social Cohesion and Xenophobic Violence in South Africa

Senior Research and Co-Director at the African Centre for Migration & Society (ACMS), Dr Jean Pierre Misago’s seminar on 25 March 2026 explored the complex link between social cohesion and xenophobic violence in South Africa. Presenting his research on presented his research, “Exclusionary Cohesion? Rethinking the Nexus between Social Cohesion and Xenophobic Violence in South Africa”, Dr Misago argued that factors like diversity, deprivation, and governance failures can turn strong in-group bonds into a driver of violence, cautioning policymakers against romanticising cohesion.

Prof Loren Landau’s, Senior Researcher at the ACMS, response and the subsequent discussion emphasised the need for clearer definitions and a critical rethinking of how cohesion is understood in practice. The event was attended by just over 30 people, both in-person and online.