The concept of social cohesion is often evoked in political discourses. It tends to be used to refer to insertion or to inclusion. Nevertheless the concept remains indeterminate and vague. This paper aims to systematically define patterns of social cohesion in order to set limits and conditions on the relevant use of the concept of social cohesion. First, we will identify an axis upon which to systematically align patterns and representations of social cohesion. Then we will analyze the kinds of cohesion linked to some precise descriptions of social order. Finally we will propose a response to the issue of cohesion in post-industrial societies.