You begin your book by describing two concepts: belonging and othering. How do you define these terms?
Belonging is the fundamental need for human beings to be recognized for who we are. When we feel we belong, we feel valued. We feel seen. Belonging brings out the best in everyone, regardless of the environment. ‘Othering’ is the opposite: it involves actions that are intended to set people aside. For example, when we project our opinions on someone else, or make a person feel like they are not supposed to be there. The extreme version would be that the other shouldn’t even exist, but there are far more subtle versions.
Belonging and othering often come in the form of systemic and institutional structures that are purposely built, which is why I like to intersect
