osely related to its predominating concept of man. An aggressive capitalism that bows no rules (laissez-faire) puts its trust mainly in the unhindered freedom of the individual (The stronger disregards the rules) as the engine of development and progress. Such a philosophy comes at the expense of equality and justice. The critic of capitalism therefore Stresses the threat to the social cohesion of capitalist societies posed by growing social inequality, and thus injustice. Real socialism, on the other hand, puts its trust not in the individual person but in the collective, central administration, and the state. This philosophy comes at the expense of freedom of the individual and hampers any personal initiative. The critic of socialism therefore stresses the threat to the social cohesion of socialist societies posed by growing egalitarianism, the hindering of progress and the uncontrolled power of bureaucrats. These examples demonstrate that social cohesion can be defined differently, and thus can also be endangered for different reasons.
Following the failure of both these models, until recently the task of constitutional democracies has consisted of finding and implementing the market economy concepts suitable for their societies as middle paths providing, and in the long term securing, freedom and progress as well as justice and social cohesion. A concept based on freedom and personal initiative does indeed come at the expense of material equality, but not at the expense of equality of freedom or social cohesion. The market economy promotes prosperity for all and creates social cohesion since everyone participates in the prosperity and thus has a personal stake in the economy's survival. The unequal distribution of prosperity that also exists is not in contradiction with this; rather, it is a necessary element of the economic system since it spurs individuals on to greater achievements. Social cohesion is only endangered if the unequal material distribution of prosperity is viewed, especially by the previously less wealthy, not as temporary but as static, in other words permanent. If however, the individual feels that he can improve his material situation through his own achievement, then material inequality is not a barrier to social cohesion.
After the Second World War, in Germany this development led to the social market economy (since 1948), and at European level to European unification (since 1950). Both policies have contributed over many decades to maintaining social cohesion in Germany and Europe.
