Cohen delves into the concept of belonging, emphasizing that it’s more than mere group membership—it’s about feeling valued and respected. He provides practical strategies, such as reflecting on core values before facing challenges and expressing belief in others’ potential. Cohen’s research-backed methods can bridge divides, reduce prejudice, and foster a world of inclusion and empathy. 📚✨

I found this book to be insightful and can help anyone working with the educational system. The information about education, race, and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) were helpful and has some fantastic ideas on how to create a sense of belonging. A great read for any social scientist!

At times, it's difficult to read US non-fiction as a European because a lot of the things featured and written about are really not that relatable.

I would say this book is a mix of both. Some of the issues discussed in the book are very US-specific, which is in itself not a problem but since this book is meant to engage and meet you were you are at, it becomes very clear, very quickly that this is mainly a book for the North American, or rather US market.

Interesting, but ultimately not for me.

We live in hugely divisive times. Them vs. Us cultures are on the rise, there has been growth in hate crimes, and, despite being more connected than ever before (with thanks to technology), one in five Americans suffer from chronic loneliness- it is no wonder people feel more alienated than ever!

To show how we can bridge these divides and create connection, Standford University Professor, Geoffrey L. Cohen, applies his and other’s research to the myriad problems of communal existence and offers concrete solutions for improving daily life.

Many of us have heard of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which highlights the importance of a sense of belonging to us as humans. Despite living in what feels like fractured times, Cohen uses science to show how we can establish connection as well as the ripple effects this can have on our entire society.

Belonging is the most academic piece of literature I’ve read since finishing my Sociology degree four and a half years ago. I've been fully aware for a while now about how lonely we are as a society, and have been thinking about the impact this has on our overall well-being so was very keen to read this book. Whilst it was different from my usual, crime fiction reads, it was incredibly insightful and informative, and even made me miss studying!

Filled with statistics, studies, and anecdotes this book looks at our sense of belonging within society and the impact that has in a vast number of areas including school, work, policing, politics, and health. It is evident the effect sense of belonging, or lack of it, has on society as the studies show the increased/decreased potential, well-being, and outcomes for individuals, depending on whether they feel alienated.

As well as showing us the impact of whether you feel like you belong, Cohen also offers us practical advice on how we can foster a sense of belonging; showing us that even just the smallest acts, such as a change in language, can validate people’s sense of belonging. Knowing that there is stuff we can all do, was inspiring leaving me thinking how I can incorporate some of these things in my own life. It also offered a lot of hope- suggesting that we don’t need to feel alone, there is another way.

Overall, a very insightful read, teachers and managers would really benefit from reading this, but really any one of us can take something from it and take responsibility for fostering a culture where we feel like we all belong. Five Stars.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of this book.

I'm thankful for the opportunity to have read this book as I am a mental health professional. The insights provided in this book and the research into the concept of belonging have helped me to gain increased insight that I can incorporate into my practice and work with clients. It would be nice if books such as this were required reading in educational settings.

Belonging by Geoffrey Cohen reshaped how I view community. It’s natural to want to feel a part of something, but how do we build and expand in an inclusive way? Belonging is the perfect book to answer that. Community can be found in the most unlikely of places. I love the idea of applying the build it and they will come methodology.

I chose this book as it is concerned with bridging relationships betwwen diffrerent communities and person in an increasingly divided world.
The author provides case studies and recommends approaches to some of these situations. I found this book would appeal to managers and educators who increasingly find themselves acting as referee in situations for individuals or groups of people they have a certain responsibility for.

A lovely book with clear writing on an under-discussed topic, I look forward to being able to put more of what is laid out here into practice in my own life.

This review is being written for Penumbra Online...not sure when it is coming out, but I am still working on the draft.

Great, very helpful book, full of useful insights and tips. I found this very insightful. Recommend for anyone who ever feels like they’re not close enough to others. Thank you NetGalley for an early copy.

I found this book interesting and informative. In a world where it seems divisiveness is strong, despite all the speak on inclusiveness, this is an apropos topic. Amongst certain groups there seems to be a very strong inclination toward “you are either like us or you are a part of a maligned out-group.” As a person who pretty much accepts people and their differences, I must admit, I am confounded by the forces that propel individuals to have in- and out-group mentalities in which the out-group is perceived as a threat or an entity to be avoided at all costs.

Belonging is written by a Stanford social psychology professor who has studied alienation and its wide-ranging effects which include social pain, decreased well-being, and decreased potential. Cohen has also researched how to bridge divides, overcome automatic bias, and widen our circles of belonging. As the author points out, even slight adjustments in our thoughts and behaviors toward others may foster increased individual and collective well-being, alleviate social tension, and create occasions to connect and grow. This book is not a socio-political call to action, but rather a gentle reminder that we all have the potential to positively impact our own circles by fostering a spirit of inclusiveness in our every-day attitudes and actions.

This book is insightful, informative, and relevant. I wish books like these were required reading in high school and/or college.

Belonging by Geoffrey L.Cohen is an eye-opening read. It is filled with science, research, and anecdotes that illustrate the psychology of belonging; what makes people want to belong and how we can choose our interactions in ways that are life-affirming. For me, this was a timely read, and a valuable one. It provided me with insight and inspiration. Recommended for anyone curious about this subject or who wrestles with belonging. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!