Belonging Through a Culture of Dignity: The Keys to Successful Equity Implementation (Cobb & Krownapple, 2019)

This US education-centred book focuses on belonging through dignity as a fundamental need, foundational to educational change and to democratic and equitable education. It approaches dignity as the core of belonging, and dignity prioritization as a path to disrupting the common cycle of equity dysfunction in school settings, particularly with regards to failed efforts to create racially inclusive and just learning environments. More, the book frames most schooling practices as deeply rooted in indignity, emphasizing sorting and hierarchy, and valuing achievement over belonging and compliance over creativity. The book is clear about the ways in which racism – and other discriminatory systems – undermine and damage dignity, and offers paths for educators and decision-makers to centre dignity instead.

Cobb, F. & Krownapple, J. (2019). Belonging through a culture of dignity: The keys to successful equity implementation. Mimi & Todd Press.