Resisting Barriers to Belonging: Conceptual Critique and Critical Applications

(Hardback)

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Decades of theory, research, and practice have singled out sense of belonging (in its many derivative forms) as a pivotal component of healthy development: psychologically, socially, culturally, academically. The human need for belonging, and therefore its essential nature, have been well established across multiple arenas. Despite growth in this field, answers to the barriers to belonging among marginalized groups and contexts remain especially elusive. For decades, this work was anchored primarily in dominant, whitestream lenses and contexts. Therefore, the authors attempt here to highlight the responsibilities of systems and individual actors to meaningfully adapt and intentionally make space for belonging for all. Within that we advocate for the inclusion and preservation of culture, identity, and voice, and reframe belonging as a fundamental human right. Moreover, the authors draw on insights and generate implications across multiple fields (education, psychology, sociology, counseling, cultural foundations, and community work). Considering belonging through a critical, equitable, culturally-sustaining perspective, while simultaneously identifying settings where more attention to barriers to belonging is needed, is a non-negotiable element of moving the work of positive human development forward.

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Resisting Barriers to Belonging: Conceptual Critique and Critical Applications serves as a timely reminder that there is much more work to be done as researchers, community members, and simply as fellow human beings to establish belonging as a universal human right. At this time, many people do not feel a sense of belonging as a result of both historical and contemporary barriers. This book forges a path through provocative and thought-provoking ground, making clear that the dominant narratives around belonging and inclusion are not always the only voices, perspectives, and experiences that matter. A core message of Resisting Barriers to Belonging is that everyone has a role to play in empowering other peoples stories of belonging. The book is a call to action for us all to take urgent steps to discontinue and disrupt systems and policies that contribute towards the maintenance of harmful barriers to belonging. Resisting Barriers to Belonging is your official invitation to upset the status quo at every level to ensure that all people have equity in their space and place to belong. As the opening quote by Laura I. Rendon in the preface to the book puts it: belonging is a basic, self- evident human right that constitutes the very foundation for our authentic existence as a part of the earths family. This is a message that should echo through every community, school, workplace and family around the globe.

Author Bio

Beverly Faircloth is associate professor of educational psychology at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro.

Laura M. Gonzalez is associate professor in the higher education program at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro.

Katherine Ramos is assistant professor in the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Duke University School of Medicine.