Belonging: The Science of Creating Connection and Bridging Divides

Discover the secret to flourishing in an age of division: belonging. In a world filled with discord and loneliness, finding harmony and happiness can be difficult. But what if the key to unlocking our potential lies in this deceptively simple concept? Belonging is the feeling of being a part of a group that values, respects, and cares for us--a feeling that we can all cultivate in even the smallest corners of social life. In Belonging: The Science of Creating Connection and Bridging Divides, Stanford University professor Geoffrey L. Cohen draws on his own and others' groundbreaking scientific research to offer simple, concrete solutions for fostering a sense of belonging. These solutions can generate surprisingly significant and long-lasting benefits.

Small but powerful actions can bolster belonging--actions such as encouraging people to reflect on their core values before they face a challenge or expressing belief in someone's capacity to reach a higher standard. A wide range of innovative approaches have been found to boost achievement at work and at school, bridge political divides, reduce prejudice, and even contribute to overall health. Rigorously tested in diverse arenas--from classrooms to disadvantaged neighborhoods to iconic Silicon Valley companies--these methods offer a path forward in these demanding times. Belonging is a compelling read for all who yearn for a more connected world, whether you're a manager or employee, an educator or student, a parent or caregiver, or simply someone seeking to make the most out of every moment you spend with others. Packed with actionable insights and specific strategies, this book offers hope and practical guidance, serving as both an inspiration and a roadmap to creating a world of inclusion, understanding, and empathy.

ISBN-13: 9781324065944

Media Type: Paperback

Publisher: Norton - W. W. & Company - Inc.

Publication Date: 08-08-2023

Pages: 448

Product Dimensions: 5.40(w) x 8.20(h) x 1.20(d)

Geoffrey L. Cohen is professor of psychology and the James G. March Professor of Organizational Studies in Education and Business at Stanford University. He lives in Palo Alto, California.

Table of Contents

Introduction A Crisis of Belonging and What We Can Do About It ix

Part 1 The Science and Art of Situation-Crafting

Chapter 1 The Potential of the Situation

How Situations Shape Us and How We Can Shape Situations 3

Chapter 2 Belonging Uncertainty

Belonging Can Be Fragile, but It Can Also Be Fostered 23

Port 2 Causes and Cures

Chapter 3 The Pernicious Power of Us vs. Them

Why We Seek Belonging by Excluding Others 51

Chapter 4 Turning Them into Us

Crafting Situations to Bridge Group Divides 81

Chapter 5 Blaming the Person, Ignoring the Situation

How to See and Respond to What Is Really Going On 106

Chapter 6 They're All the Same

Why We Stereotype Others and How We Can Stop Doing It 139

Chapter 7 How Am I Seen?

How We Experience Being Stereotyped, and How Situation-Crafting Can Help Push Back 160

Chapter 8 I Can See It on Your Face (or Can I?)

How to Read Others with Empathy 187

Part 3 Fostering Belonging in All Walks of Life

Chapter 9 Belonging in School

Creating Situations That Help Students Thrive 211

Chapter 10 Belonging at Work

Combating Workplace Discrimination and Building Team Spirit 241

Chapter 11 Belonging and Health

Fostering Belonging to Strengthen Our Bodies and Minds 264

Chapter 12 Belonging in Policing and the Community

Building Understanding to Combat Systemic Abuses 285

Chapter 13 Belonging and Our Politics

Situation-Crafting to Bridge Partisan Divides 296

Key Takeaways

How We Can All Create Belonging 319

Acknowledgments 329

Notes 333

Index 405