The Psychology of Social Cohesion and Social Development in an Era of Polarization in Nigeria: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

This study examines the psychology of social cohesion and its role in promoting sustainable social development in an era of increasing polarization in Nigeria. Its specific objectives were to, examine the concept, and psychological dimensions of social cohesion and their relevance to social development in Nigeria; assess the implications of increasing polarization for social development and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria; among others. This study is a qualitative Systematic Literature Review (SLR) employing PRISMA guidelines. This method enabled a critical examination and synthesis of existing literatures on the psychology of social cohesion and its implications for social development in an era of growing polarization in Nigeria. The sources of data relied exclusively on secondary data searched from credible academic databases like, WOS, SCOPUS, JSTOR, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Taylor and Francis Online, Wiley Online Library, SAGE Journals, books, and institutional reports from UNDP, World Bank, and African Polling Institute. Search period included studies published between 2021 - 2026 to ensure contemporary relevance. The records identified via database search were 139; duplicates removed were 51; articles screened were 78; and final studies included were 64. Its inclusion criteria: comprised studies that address one or more of the study variables, studies published in credible peer-reviewed outlets like WoS and Scopus, and studies that provided theoretical or empirical insights relevant to the Nigerian context. The search strategy employed Boolean operators such as "AND", "OR", and "NOT" to refine search results. Search terms included combinations of keywords such as, 'social cohesion', 'psychology of social cohesion', 'social development', 'social trust', 'social identity', 'polarization', 'Nigeria', inter alia. The method of data analysis employed qualitative content analysis, where the retrieved literature was carefully categorized, synthesized, and critically examined, according to recurring themes related to the study variables. Comparative evidences from USA, Nigeria versus South Africa were embedded. Tabulations were equally employed in the data analysis. Three theories relevant to the study were identified: social identity theory, intergroup contact theory, and social capital theory. The findings revealed that, the dynamics of social cohesion extends beyond peaceful coexistence to encompass psychological dimensions such as, social trust, shared identity; including polarization drivers like digital misinformation, and perceived injustice. It equally revealed that, increasing social polarization poses serious threats to social development in Nigeria. The study therefore concluded that, Nigeria's future social development depends on its ability to strengthen social cohesion despite persistent divisions. Thus, the study recommends that, policymakers should promote transparent and inclusive governance in diversity; and structural drivers of polarization should be addressed; inter alia. Thus, this review contributes to knowledge by integrating psychological theories with Nigeria's social development literature, and identifying research priorities for future empirical studies.