The social and political landscape is arguably always changing but has perhaps done so in seismic ways in the past three years. We continue to struggle with a global pandemic (endemic?) that has isolated people in new and old ways. We continue to wrestle with the impact of systemic oppression on our education, beliefs, expression, and opportunity.
As I have thought about issues of equity and inclusion over the course of my career, and the past three years in particular, I keep coming back to one notion. Belonging. Who belongs and who doesn't? How do we create community and connection in a world where sometimes surface level differences are highlighted and deeper similarities are buried deep within us.
The recent publication of the U.S. Surgeon General's Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing Report provides what I believe to be one of the most comprehensive and holistic approaches to social justice work that I've seen in quite some time. Although the focus is on the workplace, the tenants of the report seem much more broadly applicable. The model is centered on "voice and equity" and involves 5 overlapping themes. Protection from harm, connection and community, work-life harmony, mattering (at work), and opportunities for growth make up the interconnected ideas.
Belonging is at the heart of this discussion. If you don't feel like you belong (at work, at school, at home, in the community), then you won't feel safe. You won't feel connected to others in the community that you can look to for assistance, guidance, and support. You won't feel as though you have the autonomy to make the choices that are best for you. You won't experience a sense of dignity and meaning, which gives life purpose. Lastly, you won't have the necessary opportunity to learn and achieve your goals.
Belonging has historically been taken from those marginalized and oppressed individuals, and held over them like a generational blackmail scheme. As long as you do this or behave like that or stay within your lane, we'll give you the opportunity to belong. It's always been a bait and switch and the opportunity for belonging has never really been there though, because that would mean those in power would have to share the monopoly on belonging. A monopoly they created by writing the definition of belonging in the first place.
Perhaps it's time we start creating other definitions and other avenues towards belonging.
