About 100 students and faculty gathered at Weill Hall on Monday to hear Jamaal Sharif Matthews, an associate professor at the Marsal Family School of Education, discuss the vital role of belonging in education.
Nicole Wagner Lam, the associate director of the Education Policy Initiative at the Public Policy School and event organizer, emphasized that the topic is important at every education level, including universities.
Matthews opened the discussion by looking back at the history of belonging research. He mentioned psychologists like Carol Goodenow and Kathleen Grady, who defined belongingness as how accepted and supported students feel by others. Matthews pointed out that belonging influences not only K-12 students but also college students and even faculty members.
“Everyone in this room knows the power of belonging, but we also know the pain of not belonging,” Matthews said. “This desire to belong is universal, yet it can mean very different things to different people, especially for those who have often felt excluded.”
He then explained how critical race theory helps analyze belonging among racially marginalized youth. “Critical race theory shows how race and racism affect all parts of our systems. Schools, though they claim to be neutral, often reinforce inequality for marginalized groups,” Matthews said.
Matthews also introduced the concept of optimal distinctiveness theory, which explores the balance between wanting to fit in and wanting to stand out. He noted that this balance can vary among students from different backgrounds.
“Optimal distinctiveness theory highlights that belonging goes beyond simply fitting in. It’s about finding a balance between belonging and being recognized for one’s uniqueness,” Matthews explained.
Through his research, he emphasized the need to address social and cultural barriers that hinder the sense of belonging for marginalized students. “This trend suggests that solutions for enhancing belonging for these students involve helping them adapt their thinking to mimic the psychology of their more privileged peers,” he said.
LSA senior Lauren Lier shared her thoughts on the event, saying, “I believe education is a powerful tool for change. I’m here to learn how to uplift and inspire future generations.”
After the event, Matthews expressed his gratitude for the chance to share his research. “Understanding that belonging carries different meanings for various students is essential. It’s a concept shaped by race and often unequally experienced,” he said.
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