Security through social cohesion: deconstructing fear (of others) by going beyond stereotypes (Trends in social cohesion No. 11) (2005)

This volume contains ideas concerning two questions relating to the effects of the feeling of insecurity on social cohesion: why does modern European society - where solidarity and collective identity are an integral part of the heritage - create a sometimes seemingly irrational demand for security? Do we have the institutional and political means to dispel the feelings of insecurity and fear that are taking hold in our societies as globalisation progresses?The texts presented suggest that we should refrain from stigmatising, criminalising, "ghetto-ising" and finding scapegoats, and call on us to find ways to dispel the fear (of others) which divides us and to open up our societies to initiatives leading to the globalisation of solidarity, while recognising everyone's rights and leaving all stereotypes behind.