Ocio educativo y acción sociocultural, promotores de participación y cohesión social

The results of the research "Leisure, Sociocultural Action and Social Cohesion" are presented, whose objective has been to deepen the existing correlation between leisure practices and sociocultural action adressed to children, adolescents and young people and the social cohesion of the territory, and its participation as a dimension. The cases of four neighborhoods in the autonomous communities of Catalonia and the Basque Country are studied, selected from the preparation of a map of social cohesion indicators built through validated international systems. METHOD. The research methodology has been a sequential explanatory mixed design (DEXPLIS) of a participatory nature. Based on the contributions of neighbors, significant people from the neighborhoods, professionals and children, adolescents and young people, and their perceptions about the contribution of leisure and sociocultural action entities and activities to the development of participation and social cohesion in the neighborhoods. Specifically, 836 people participated in the different phases and data collection techniques. RESULTS. The results show evidence of the existing relationships between participation in educational leisure activities and sociocultural action and the perceived social cohesion, in the neighborhood and in general by the participants. In addition, how the participation of girls, boys and adolescents in these activities contributes to the improvement and deepening of key aspects of social cohesion such as: neighborhood support and social participation itself. DISCUSSION. We conclude the work by discussing the results and highlighting aspects that this study reveals, especially the need to recognize the contribution of educational leisure and socio-cultural action entities and initiatives in relation not only to the socialization and training of children, young people and adults, but also with their contribution to community life, participation and social cohesion in their territories.