4 Tips for Bridging Political Divides
Polarization, dehumanization, demonization, and . . . belonging?
Geoffrey L. Cohen is a psychology professor at Stanford University.
His research focuses on addressing complex social problems by developing interventions that facilitate a sense of belonging and self-worth. In his new book Belonging: The Science of Creating Connection and Bridging Divides, he shares science-backed strategies for creating more inclusive experiences which increase the potential for learning, growth, and well-being.
Belonging is full of wisdom backed by research and experience, and it’s timely. The final chapter is about politics and bridging divides. Although the book surprised me many times, this line hit me the hardest.
A major force driving polarization, and the dehumanization and demonization that have accompanied it, is the desire to belong.
— Geoffrey L. Cohen
Mic drop.
Part of the reason people hate so vehemently is that they enjoy the sense of belonging in their groups. Further increasing the potential for escalation, people tend to react more aggressively when they’ve been rejected by others.
Shame and exclusion don’t change minds; they increase opposition.
