bashkësi

Bashkësi is an Albanian term used to describe the quality of social cohesion and the sense of belonging among members of a group. The word can denote both the felt unity within a local community and the broader cohesion of a nation or culture. Etymologically, it combines bashk- meaning “together” with the suffix -ësi to form an abstract noun indicating a state or quality.

In sociological and political discourse, bashkësi encompasses shared values, norms, mutual trust, and the existence of institutions and practices that enable cooperation. It is reinforced by a common language, history, rituals, and inclusive political processes, as well as by economic equality and access to public services. Strengthening bashkësi often involves facilitating civic participation, protecting minority rights, and fostering social networks that enable mutual aid.

Scholars distinguish between cohesive processes and tensions that can arise from diversity, inequality, or exclusion. High bashkësi can contribute to resilience, collective action, and social stability, while fragmentation or discrimination can erode it. The concept is frequently applied at multiple levels, including local communities (bashkësi lokale), cultural or ethnic groups (bashkësi kulturore), and national life (bashkësi kombëtare).

The term is closely related to the broader ideas of social cohesion, social capital, and national identity, and is used in policy discussions on democracy, governance, and social inclusion.