Who Belongs? Politics of Identity, Inclusion, and Belonging

The concept of belonging is being included and, in some instances, replacing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) to name work that seeks to support all groups in having more equitable experiences and outcomes, especially those who are most marginalized. Focusing on belonging is important in understanding the lived experiences of communities with shared identities and values and allows for the development of inclusive supports and activities that meet the needs of diverse communities. Leading with inclusive practices can produce a greater sense of belonging and contribute to more equitable outcomes across many indicators, including education, work, etc.

Over the past few years, the targeted campaign against DEI has shown how both public sentiment and political power affect individual and community experiences. This effect is evident in the legislation proposed and enacted across multiple states to ban DEI practices and principles and the chilling effect that such legislation has had on institutions. More broadly, the discourse of belonging is present in the ways societies discuss immigration, nationality, identity, political affiliation, etc.

(Sense of) belonging is affective in nature, as it resides in the individual's experiences relative to both their own respective identities and myriad external factors, and it is therefore difficult to effectively measure. Inclusion seeks to be responsive to the perceived needs of individuals and groups by employing research-informed and community-guided practices and principles that foster a sense of belonging. How belonging is constructed by individuals and by institutions, higher education and otherwise, is a crucial part of this equation. That is to say, how are the identities most salient to individuals and communities constructed, and how do institutions effectively determine which groups should or should not be included, through language and action–or, to put it more simply, who determines who belongs?

In this panel, scholars will discuss the concept of belonging and how socio-political factors shape identity and values and receptiveness/acceptance, and ultimately how the structural nature of the construction of belonging impacts the experiences of belonging at the community and individual level.