Definitions

Meanings matter.

Here are ours.

By social cohesion we refer to “the ongoing process of developing well-being, sense of belonging, and voluntary social participation of the members of society, while simultaneously a) developing communities that honor and celebrate a multiplicity of values and cultures, and b). safeguarding equal rights and opportunities in society.”

This occurs on individual, community and institutional levels. 

This framework draws on the work of Fonseca, Lukosch and Brazier. It strives to bridge various prevailing understandings of Social Cohesion, for example from the Council of Europe and Canadian Government to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Social Cohesion

Belonging

The feeling that a person is an integral part of their surrounding systems, including family, friends, school, workplace, local communities, country and places.

Belonging is a vital human need.

“Belonging is about the quality of fit between oneself and a setting,” write Nichole Argo and Hammad Sheikh. “When one belongs, they feel emotionally connected, welcomed, included, and satisfied in their relationships. They know that they are valued for who they are as well as for their contributions, can bring their whole and authentic self to the table, and are comfortable expressing their thoughts and opinions regardless as to whether they diverge from dominant perspectives. In addition, they understand how things work within a given setting, feel treated equally, and perceive that they are able to influence decisions” 

According to Project Zero and the American Immigration Council, components of belonging include: 

  • Feeling emotionally connected 

  • Being welcomed and included 

  • Perceiving that one is able to influence decision-making 

  • Feeling able to be one’s whole and authentic self 

  • Being valued as a person and for one’s contributions 

  • Being in relationships that are as satisfying as one wants them to be 

  • Feeling like an insider who understands how the environment works 

  • Feeling comfortable expressing one’s opinions 

  • Being treated equally 

  • Feeling that one “truly belongs” 

Drawing on Lecolion Washington’s framing, we understand excellence as:

• Rigorous artistic/production standards; and

• Emotionally resonant content; and

• Relevance to people’s lived experiences. 

All three must be present

Excellence