Belongingness is the quality or state of being an essential or important part of something. It implies how someone is a part of (as opposed to apart from) some gather whole. Thus, a sense of belonging is a human need, just like the need for food and shelter. The need to belong involves more than simply being acquainted with other people. It is instead centered on gaining acceptance, attention, and support from members of the group as well as the broader institutions that shape and, thus, gives meaning to one’s life.
What does Belongingness look like?
Encouraging and supporting student and community led affinity groups and learning communities.
Resources
Voices in Urban Education (VUE)
Where We Go Wrong in Equity Work
This autoethnographic commentary includes anecdotes along with scientific background, ending with suggestions to do your best work as an equity warrior.
On Equity and Early Intervention: An Interview with New Faculty Member Jonet Artis
Jonet Artis, assistant professor and Dean’s Faculty Fellow in the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders, is a speech-language pathologist whose research interests include early intervention for children diagnosed with autism.
Professor Donna Walker-Kuhne Talks Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Age of COVID
“COVID-19 changed the way I have seen my role as an arts administrator and an arts marketer.”
Equity and Belonging for NYU Steinhardt Students
Diversity and inclusion are part of our core values. We are stronger when our community includes a spectrum of identities, experiences, and perspectives.
Steinhardt Courses that Address Racial Justice & Global Crises
A selection of multidisciplinary graduate and undergraduate Steinhardt courses that address racial justice or global crises in various contexts.