The Space Between Us: an Inquiry Into Belonging by Kim Pamela Boutwell Lyster B.Ed, Simon Fraser University, 1981
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The Space Between Us: An Inquiry into Belonging by Kim Pamela Boutwell Lyster B.Ed, Simon Fraser University, 1981 A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of MASTER OF ARTS in the Studies in Policy and Practice Program Kim Lyster, 2015 University of Victoria All rights reserved. This thesis may not be reproduced in whole or in part, by photocopy or other means, without the permission of the author. Supervisory Committee The Space Between Us: An Inquiry into Belonging by Kim Pamela Boutwell Lyster B.Ed, Simon Fraser University, 1981 Supervisory Committee Dr. Susan Boyd (Human and Social Development) Supervisor Dr. Michael J. Prince (Human and Social Development) Departmental Member ii Abstract This thesis explores the topic of belonging: both the sense and experience of it as well as the relationship to individual and collective well-being. Through in- depth interviews with five leaders and advocates in the social justice community, I explore their perspectives on the topic, significant influences, the power of the experience, and the relationship between inclusion and belonging. Further, the capacity for belonging to influence and impact social issues such as marginalization, discrimination, and poverty are explored. Methods for fostering belonging are also considered with a view to suggesting recommendations for promoting a lens of belonging as a means for renewing a commitment to the beloved community. Supervisory Committee Dr. Susan Boyd (Human and Social Development) Supervisor Dr. Michael J. Prince (Human and Social Development) Departmental Member iii Table of Contents Supervisory Committee......................................................................................... ii Abstract.................................................................................................................iii Table of Contents................................................................................................. iv Acknowledgements.............................................................................................. vi Dedication........................................................................................................... vii Chapter One: Introduction.....................................................................................1 Situating my Research: The importance of belonging...........................................1 The Central Research Question(s) and Sub-Questions........................................5 Purpose ................................................................................................................6 Methodology and Method .....................................................................................7 The Structure of this Thesis ..................................................................................9 Chapter 2: Exploring the Literature on Belonging ...............................................11 We are social beings… .......................................................................................11 Relational dimensions – individual and community.............................................15 The threats to belonging…..................................................................................18 Social justice, love and transformation................................................................21 Chapter 3: Methodology and Method..................................................................25 Methodological Framework and Influences.........................................................25 The Research Questions ....................................................................................30 Method of the Inquiry: In-Depth Interviews .........................................................31 The Participants..................................................................................................33 Analytical Process...............................................................................................36 Ethical Considerations ........................................................................................37 Chapter 4: The Nuances of the Experience ........................................................40 Introducing the participants and their stories ......................................................40 Vickie Cammack .................................................................................................41 Jennifer Charlesworth .........................................................................................42 Ric Matthews ......................................................................................................43 David Pitonyak....................................................................................................45 Sara ....................................................................................................................47 A sense of belonging ..........................................................................................49 The heart knows, the body feels…......................................................................49 In the space between us… .................................................................................53 Belonging: our place in community…..................................................................55 Reflecting on their experience of belonging ........................................................58 A commitment to belonging ................................................................................63 Influences that have shaped their perspective on belonging…...........................63 Aha moments… ..................................................................................................69 Chapter 5: Inclusion and Belonging: Making the Connection..............................75 The relationship between inclusion and belonging..............................................75 Inclusion is where we started… ..........................................................................76 Making the connection: belonging and well-being ..............................................83 iv Coming full circle: belonging as a catalyst for achieving social justice and social change................................................................................................................88 Chapter Six: Reflections and Further Considerations .........................................97 The origins of the inquiry on belonging ...............................................................97 The first question: the importance of belonging ..................................................98 The second question: the power of belonging ..................................................100 The way forward: renewing the call for beloved community..............................100 Final thoughts ...................................................................................................103 Bibliography ......................................................................................................105 Appendix 1: Letter of Invitation..........................................................................111 Appendix 2: Consent.........................................................................................113 Appendix 3: Interview Questions.......................................................................114 Appendix 4: Ethics Approval .............................................................................115 v Acknowledgments I wish to thank the faculty members of the Studies in Policy and Practice and in particular, my Thesis Committee: Dr. Susan Boyd and Dr. Michael J. Prince, for their support and encouragement of my graduate studies and this research project. I would also like to thank the participants of my research inquiry: Vickie, Jennifer, Ric, David, and Sara for so generously sharing their thoughts and experience. vi Dedication I extend my gratitude and thanks to my friends and family for your steadfast support and belief in this work and this journey. You have sustained me through this process. This thesis is dedicated to my son Teyen – I carry you in my heart where the deepest belonging is known. vii Chapter One: Introduction This thesis explores the concept of belonging and the ramifications for individual and collective well-being. I conducted qualitative research through in- depth interviews with social justice leaders and advocates about their conceptualizations of belonging, their personal and professional experiences which have influenced their perspective, and the interwoven dimensions of the topic. My research participants provided me with their perspectives on the potency of a focus on belonging and their reflections on the social justice implications. My interviews provided the opportunity to explore deeper dimensions of the topic of belonging and, as such, I offer preliminary recommendations regarding methods of fostering the conditions that will help satisfy what I believe is an essential human need. Situating my Research: The importance of belonging I have had the privilege of working in and for community throughout my professional career; it remains my passion and my purpose. Although the word community can be interpreted many ways, my sense of and reference is intrinsically linked to the topic of belonging and influenced by the work of McMillan and Chavis (1986). Blending the clinical psychology background of McMillan with the community development and complex systems analysis work