2021 marks the 15th Mapping Social Cohesion survey, and the third during the pandemic, revealing the character of our country as we live through a prolonged crisis. This year, additional products are added to our research program, including the Australian Cohesion Index and the Life in the Pandemic qualitative research.

This report contains:

• The Mapping Social Cohesion survey results, including the Scanlon-Monash Index (SMI) of social cohesion.
• The Australian Cohesion Index, an additional set of objective (statistical) indicators to supplement the subjective (survey) data.
• A look at life during the pandemic, through analysis of statistical data as well as a qualitative research program, including interviews with people with strong knowledge of their local area and people from culturally diverse backgrounds to understand how COVID-19 has impacted social cohesion.