Belonging: The Science of Creating Connection and Bridging Divides

In our divided times,Stanford University professor Geoffrey L. Cohen offers science-backed techniques for navigating modern social life,creating empathy,and forging lasting connections across divides. He provides practical takeaways for managers and educators to create connection even during challenging times,such as reflecting on core values,and situation-crafting.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 12 September 2023
Publisher: WW Norton & Co

In our increasingly polarised world, divisions run rampant across politics, race, religion, gender, and class. In 2020, a staggering 40 percent of political parties described supporters of opposing parties as "downright evil." Hate crimes reached a ten-year high in the United States in 2019, affecting one in five Americans, particularly teenagers and young adults. Social ties at work, school, and in our communities have frayed, leading to a sense of alienation and undermining our sense of belonging.

How did we become so disconnected? Why is our sense of belonging so fragile? What if there were a set of science-backed techniques for navigating modern social life that could help us overcome our differences, cultivate empathy, and forge lasting connections even across divides? What if there were valuable takeaways for managers and educators of all stripes to create connection even during challenging times?

In Belonging, Stanford University professor Geoffrey L. Cohen applies his and others groundbreaking research to the myriad problems of communal existence and offers concrete solutions for improving daily life at work, in school, in our homes, and in our communities. We all yearn for a sense of belonging, but many of us fail to recognise the deep need for connection in others. Often, our actions inadvertently threaten others' sense of belonging. However, small acts that establish connection, such as reflecting on our core values, and a suite of practices Cohen defines as "situation-crafting," have been shown to have a profound impact.

These practices include creating shared experiences, fostering positive emotions, and building trust. By implementing these techniques, we can lessen political polarisation, improve motivation and performance in school and work, combat racism in our communities, enhance health and well-being, and unleash the potential within ourselves and our relationships.

Belonging is not just a personal concern; it is essential for managers, educators, parents, administrators, caregivers, and anyone who seeks to create a more inclusive and harmonious society. By understanding the science behind human connection and applying these practical strategies, we can build stronger, more resilient communities and foster a sense of belonging that transcends differences.

Weight: 356g
Dimension: 141 x 210 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781324065944