Student leadership and advocacy for social cohesion: A South African perspective

Abstract

This article utilises the insights of sociology and social psychology in defining social cohesion, outlining the ideal state and making a case for the role of student leadership in social cohesion. It draws from personal experience as former Dean of Students while it relies mostly, not entirely, on secondary sources in the disciplines of sociology and social psychology. The conclusion is that given the numbers behind them and the position of influence derived from student structures, student leadership is ideal for advocacy and activism.

Keywords: Social cohesion, student leadership, liminality, advocacy, common assumptions, f luctuating vision