Social psychologist Geoffrey Cohen to present Wooster’s Presidential Equity & Excellence Lecture on social identity Nov. 15

The College of Wooster’s Presidential Equity & Excellence Lecture Series will feature social psychologist Geoffrey Cohen on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. Titled for his new book, Belonging: The Science of Creating Connection and Bridging Divides, the lecture will be held in Gault Recital Hall in Scheide Music Center (525 East University Street) and will be followed by a reception and book signing. The talk is free and open to the public.

Cohen is the James G. March Professor of Organizational Studies in Education and Business and professor of psychology at Stanford University. His research examines processes that shape people’s sense of belonging and self and implications for social problems. He studies the big and small threats to belonging and self-integrity that people encounter in school, work, and health care settings, and strategies to create more inclusive spaces for people from all walks of life. He believes that the development of psychological theory is facilitated not only by descriptive and observational research but by theory-driven intervention.

Belonging, which was published by W.W. Norton in September, applies his and others’ groundbreaking research to the myriad problems of communal existence and offers concrete solutions for improving daily social life. Small acts that establish connection, brief activities such as reflecting on our core values, and a suite of practices that Cohen defines as “situation-crafting” have been shown to lessen political polarization, improve motivation and performance in school and work, combat racism in communities, enhance health and wellbeing, and unleash the potential in people and their relationships.

Inaugurated this spring with a lecture in honor of Juneteenth, the Presidential Equity & Excellence Lecture Series features thought leaders on topics related to racial and social equity and justice and is designed to bring students, staff, faculty, and community members together, with the aim of fostering understanding and catalyzing systemic change.

Photo: Geoffrey Cohen, James G. March Professor of Organizational Studies in Education and Business and professor of psychology, Stanford University (photo by Nancy Rothstein)

Posted in News on October 25, 2022.