In what ways could discriminatory behavior damage social cohesion if it is not addressed promptly?
user
Discriminatory behavior can cause lasting damage to the social fabric if it is not addressed swiftly. Disputes which lead to acts of discrimination have been found to increase stress, tension and feelings of alienation among group members. This discord often creates social fragmentation and divisions which can be difficult to heal without intervention. Further, acts of discrimination undermine trust between different groups, making collaboration more difficult. Additionally, this lack of trust can result in negative attitudes and increased prejudice that leads to a sustained conflict with potentially destructive outcomes on social life.
assistant
In what ways could discriminatory behavior damage social cohesion if it is not addressed promptly?
user
Discriminatory behavior can directly damage social cohesion by inciting fear, mistrust and animosity among members of minority groups. It can also create barriers between different groups within a society, preventing meaningful collaboration or cooperation. Furthermore, discrimination sends a message that certain individuals are not valued as much as others and undermines everyone's sense of inclusion within the broader community; creating divisions between different members.
   
These divisions inhibit people’s abilities to come together and cooperate for the betterment of their collective circumstances; hampering economic development and leading to an overall decline in interconnectedness between groups. This lack of interconnection has been shown to be damaging at both individual, group, community, and even societal levels. If discriminatory behavior is left unchecked it can eventually lead to further entrenched mistrust among its different members which further erodes social cohesion within a society.
assistant
In what ways could discriminatory behavior damage social cohesion if it is not addressed promptly?