In my last blog I wrote about Inclusion & Diversity I explained that diversity refers to the variety of differences among individuals in a group and inclusion refers to creating an environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported, regardless of their differences. These terms are often used in combination with equity and belonging. The four together can be written as DEI-B, so next time you come across this abbreviation you will now know it stands for: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging.
In this blog I will explain the meaning of equity and belonging to paint a more complete picture of the value and need of this terminology. In short: equity refers to fairness and justice in the distribution of resources and opportunities, taking into account the unique needs and circumstances of different individuals and groups. Belonging refers to the sense of being accepted, valued, and connected to others in a group or community, regardless of one’s differences.
Let’s see what happens when we encounter inequity: studies on this topic teach us that inequities in access to resources and opportunities can lead to disparities in outcomes, such as education, health, and economic prosperity, along lines of race, gender, socio-economic status, and other demographic factors.
Overall, the field of equity research seeks to understand the root causes of inequities and to identify effective strategies for promoting fairness and justice in the distribution of resources and opportunities. There are various strategies for promoting equity, such as policy interventions, changes to organisational structures, and community-based approaches.
Now let’s look at belonging. The general idea behind belonging is that it involves creating a welcoming and supportive environment where all individuals feel like they belong and can thrive. Often people don’t speak of “belonging” by itself, but the subject is referred to as “a sense of belonging” which refers to the feeling of being accepted, valued, and connected to others in a group or community, regardless of one’s differences. It involves feeling like one is a part of something larger than oneself and that one’s presence and contributions are appreciated.
You can imagine that having a sense of belonging is important for your well-being and mental health, as it can provide a sense of security, stability, and support. It can also increase motivation, engagement, and self-esteem, and at the same time reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. You can translate this term “belonging” into the feeling of “being at home” that can be experienced in various settings including work, school, family, friends, and communities. Factors that can influence a sense of belonging include the presence of inclusive and supportive environments, positive relationships, and opportunities for connection and social interaction. Belonging basically underlines the importance of social connection and support in our lives, it helps us understand and promote well-being. Being connected to others in a group or community, regardless of one’s differences.
To summarise you could say that the field of belonging research seeks to understand the complexities and benefits of belonging, and to identify effective strategies for promoting a sense of belonging in various settings by exploring various strategies for promoting “a sense of belonging”, including creating inclusive environments, fostering positive relationships and social connections, and supporting both individual and collective identity.
As a lecturer and researcher on the topic of DEI-B myself, my main focus points right now is the subject of belonging in education. This refers to students feeling accepted, valued, and connected to others in an academic community, regardless of one’s differences. This is crucial for student success and well-being, as well as academic achievement. Students who feel like they belong in the University of their choice are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and invested in their education, as well as less likely to experience stress, anxiety, and depression. Let that sink in for a moment: experiencing a sense of belonging is not only benefiting a person’s well being, it also positively impacts academic outcomes, such as grades, attendance, and graduation rates.
High time for some educational change management. This subject will be further addressed in my next blog on power & control.
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
Dialogue with the Dutch 