Research and resources on social cohesion theory and best practice.
The Belong Network Library
Research and resources on social cohesion theory and best practice.
The Belong Network Library
Welcome to the Belong Network Library
The Belong Library is free to access and brings together a wide range of online resources produced by the public, private and civil society sectors to build the evidence base around social cohesion.
It is regularly updated and includes:
- measurement and evaluation frameworks,
- ‘what works’ guides,
- relevant research,
- best practice sharing
- training materials for small and large charities and other volunteer-involving sports and community organisations.
Please contact us if you are unable to find what you need – we’d be delighted to help.
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Intergroup and intragroup dimensions of COVID-19: A social identity perspective on social fragmentation and unity April 2021
COVID-19 is a challenge faced by individuals (personal vulnerability and behavior), requiring coordinated policy from national government. However, another critical layer—intergroup relations—frames many decisions about how resources and support should be allocated. Based on theories of self and social identity uncertainty, subjective group dynamics, leadership, and social cohesion, this study argues that this intergroup layer has important implications for people’s perceptions of their own and others’ situation, political management of the pandemic, how people are influenced, and how they resolve identity uncertainty.
The social cohesion investment: Communities that invested in integration programmes are showing greater social cohesion in the midst of the COVID‐19 pandemic April 2021
The data featured in this article is part of a large‐scale research project designed to track social cohesion in the United Kingdom during COVID‐19. The research, conducted in partnership by the University of Kent and the charity Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network, conducted surveys distributed online to respondents from different parts of Great Britain.
Beyond Us and Them: Policy and Practice for Strengthening Social Cohesion in Local Areas March 2021
Beyond Us and Them: Policy and Practice for Strengthening Social Cohesion in Local Areas, is a companion piece to the report, Community, Connection and Cohesion during COVID-19: Beyond Us and Them Report released on Tuesday 23rd February.
“If you could do anything…”: 10 local actions to promote social integration October 2020
A collection of essays published by the British Academy on social integration best practices. Chapter 10 illustrates the potential of an arts-based community-led intervention for promoting
North Ayrshire: A Case Study on Kindness October 2020
This report tells the story of that two-year journey and reflects on challenges and learning, particularly over the last 6 months. It finishes with five priorities for sustaining and developing kindness, which we hope will feel relevant and urgent not just for North Ayrshire, but for local government everywhere.
Kindness, Emotions, and Human Relationships: The blind spot in public policy October 2020
There is growing recognition of the importance of kindness and relationships for societal wellbeing. But talking about kindness does not fit easily within the rational lexicon of public policy.
The Practice of Kindness: Learning from KIN and North Ayrshire October 2020
The Practice of Kindness brings together practical examples of things that can be done to create the conditions for kindness. However, it also highlights the barriers to relationships within organisations, and posits kindness as a radical concept that demands challenging the systems and structures – including risk and regulation, professionalism, and performance management – that currently govern our institutions.
An Unlikely Pair? Anger and Kindness October 2020
A short research article by People United highlighting the role of a specific type of anger against injustice in increasing kindness and social action.
The Art of Living Together October 2020
Jo Broadwood, CEO of Belong, explores the ability of the arts to connect people across identity groups quickly and powerfully. Broadwood proposes a series of recommendations for arts practitioners interested in the impact of their work on intergroup relations and generating empathy with the other.
Changing the World Through Arts and Kindness October 2020
This report brings together 10 years of research showing that the arts can play a practical and imaginative role in building a kinder and more caring society. The paper contains a series of illustrative case studies demonstrating that arts participation can result in increased empathy, willingness to help others, and self-efficacy.