Cash Transfers and Social Cohesion: Trust, Conflict, and Community Effects

Nyiramukama Diana Kashaka

Faculty of Education, Kampala International University, Uganda

ABSTRACT

This review examines the relationship between cash transfer programs and social cohesion, with particular emphasis on trust, conflict dynamics, and community-level outcomes. Drawing on theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence from low-, middle-, and high-income countries, the study synthesizes the mechanisms through which cash transfers influence interpersonal trust, collective action, reciprocity, informal institutions, and conflict dynamics. The review highlights that cash transfers can strengthen social cohesion by reducing economic insecurity, promoting social exchange, enhancing collective efficacy, and fostering community resilience. However, poorly designed or inadequately communicated targeting mechanisms may generate exclusion, jealousy, and social tensions, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings. The analysis further explores methodological approaches used to assess social cohesion, including experimental, quasi-experimental, and mixed-methods designs, while emphasizing the complexity of measuring multidimensional constructs such as trust and community cohesion. Evidence from countries including Chad, Zimbabwe, South Sudan, Nepal, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Burundi demonstrates that the effects of cash transfers are highly context-dependent and influenced by political, cultural, and institutional environments. The review concludes that transparent targeting, community participation, accountability mechanisms, and complementary interventions are essential for maximizing the positive social impacts of cash transfer programs while minimizing unintended social divisions. It also identifies significant research gaps regarding long-term community-level outcomes, causal pathways, and the interaction between household welfare improvements and broader social cohesion. These findings provide important policy insights for designing conflict-sensitive and socially inclusive cash transfer programs capable of strengthening resilience and sustainable development.

Keywords: Cash Transfers, Social Cohesion, Trust, Community Resilience and Conflict Reduction.

CITE AS: Nyiramukama Diana Kashaka (2026). Cash Transfers and Social Cohesion: Trust, Conflict, and Community Effects. IDOSR JOURNAL OF ARTS AND MANAGEMENT 11(2):1-7. https:/doi.org/10.59298/IDOSRJAM/2026/112.17000