Resisting Barriers to Belonging

Resisting Barriers to Belonging: Conceptual Critique and Critical Applications serves as a timely reminder that there is much more work to be done – as researchers, community members, and simply as fellow human beings – to establish belonging as a universal human right. At this time, many people do not feel a sense of belonging as a result of both historical and contemporary barriers. This book forges a path through provocative and thought-provoking ground, making clear that the dominant narratives around belonging and inclusion are not always the only voices, perspectives, and experiences that matter. A core message of Resisting Barriers to Belonging is that everyone has a role to play in empowering other people’s stories of belonging. The book is a call to action for us all to take urgent steps to discontinue and disrupt systems and policies that contribute towards the maintenance of harmful barriers to belonging. Resisting Barriers to Belonging is your official invitation to upset the status quo at every level to ensure that all people have equity in their space and place to belong. As the opening quote by Laura I. Rendón in the preface to the book puts it: “belonging is a basic, self- evident human right that constitutes the very foundation for our authentic existence as a part of the earth’s family”. This is a message that should echo through every community, school, workplace and family around the globe. -- Kelly-Ann Allen, Faculty of Education, Monash University, Australia