What do we mean by cohesion and integration? They are terms generally used in a policy or political context to describe how people from different backgrounds mix, interact and get along with each other. The difference referred to is usually one of ethnicity or faith and sometimes both. We think the work of cohesion and integration is about that. And about more than that. It can also encompass understanding how other differences (for example, age, social class, gender) may impact integration.