Belonging

Belonging is the sense of being part of a group that prizes us, honors our dignity, and genuinely looks out for us. Geoffrey L. Cohen, a Stanford University professor, argues that this feeling is not fixed. It can be cultivated in even the smallest everyday social settings. The book's full title is Belonging: The Science of Creating Connection and Bridging Divides.

Drawing on his own research and the work of other scientists, Cohen lays out practical methods for nurturing belonging. Some of these are modest, such as asking someone to reflect on what matters most to them before a difficult challenge, or telling a person you believe they can reach a demanding standard. Cohen describes these small actions as capable of producing substantial effects that last.

The approaches described have been linked to better performance at work and in school, narrower rifts between political opponents, reduced prejudice, and even improved health. The strategies were tested in a range of settings, including classrooms, disadvantaged neighborhoods, and well-known technology companies in Silicon Valley.

Written for a broad audience, the book speaks to managers and their staff, teachers and students, parents and caregivers, and anyone who hopes to get more out of time spent with others. Its many concrete tactics and examples are meant to encourage readers while serving as a roadmap toward greater inclusion, understanding, and empathy.