ABSTRACT
Social cohesion in Europe is usually explained as the outcome ofprocesses that encompass both sociocultural and structural factors including the state, economy and other societal institutions. In classical
sociology, E´mile Durkheim’s account focused on the role of social interac-
tions and common values, and on material equality of opportunity between
individuals in the division of labour.1 While Durkheim emphasized the
importance of occupational associations, state intervention was also necessary to achieve social cohesion, not least through funding and administering a public system of education to inculcate national culture and provide greater equality of opportunity between individuals.2
