Social cohesion: a conceptual and political elucidation Andreas Novy, Daniela Coimbra Swiatek and Frank Moulaert Abstract This paper aims at clarifying the concept of social cohesion by embedding it within a dynamic, multi-scalar and complex understanding of socioeconomic development in the city. Section One gives a European perspective on the relationship between social cohesion and urban policy views. It shows how the contemporary EU territorial cohesion discourse holds an inclination towards the functionalization of social cohesion to the benefit of competitiveness. Section Two shows the complexity and multidimensionality of social cohesion as a problématique, a discursive field dwelling on the paradox of apparently opposite aspirations of belonging and differentiation. It systematises social cohesion as an „open concept‟, distinguishing between its socioeconomic, cultural, ecological and political dimensions. Section Three offers ways to accommodate tensions and contradictions inherent in capitalist market economies, and reveals the contradictory ethics driving collective action and change. It argues in favour of a progressive neo-structuralist approach that offers the epistemology to democratic political movements to conceptualise and lay out policies to make cities more inclusive for all inhabitants in all their uniqueness and diversity. Keywords: social cohesion; urban development; social exclusion; social capital; citizenship; scale; problématique Andreas Novy andreas.novy@wu-wien.ac.at and Daniela Coimbra de Souza: dcoimbra@wu- wien.ac.at ; Institute of Regional Development and Environment, Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration, Nordbergstraße 15/B (UZA4) A-1090 – Vienna, Austria. Frank Moulaert: frank.moulaert@asro.kuleuven.be ; ASRO - Faculty of Engineering - KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 51 - Bus 2429, B-3001 Heverlee - Belgium