This paper is based on a review and reflection of relevant literature. This positioning paper is the first report of a project funded by AHURI which fills a part of the gap in knowledge about the linkages between housing, housing assistance and social cohesion. It explores the relevance of the social cohesion concept for housing policy and practice in Australia, develops a conceptual framework for understanding these linkages, explores the indicators which have been used to measure some of these linkages, and indicates how the empirical part of the research will proceed. This paper is based on a review and reflection of relevant literature.