From sci-fi novels to ancient philosophical meditations by way of classic sociological studies, our staff picks on the best books about belonging.

Fans Have More Friends
by David Sikorjak and Ben Valenta

In an era when a sense of belonging appears to be in crisis, Fans Have More Friends offers a possible antidote in the form of fandom. Authors Sikorjak and Valenta demonstrate a host of non-obvious correlations between those who are devoted fans and positive characteristics such as happiness, confidence in institutions, optimism, and strong family ties. Fans not only have more friends, they also seem to have all the other markers of a robust sense of belonging. 

The Power of Ritual: Turning Everyday Activities into Soulful Practices 
by Casper ter Kuile 

In this fun and lively book, ter Kuile invites us to deepen our ordinary practices – such as walking the dog or attending a spinning class – as intentional rituals that nurture connection and well-being. In an age of isolation, the ancient social technology of ritual, a cornerstone of anthropological study, can imbue our lives with meaning and purpose while fostering our connections with others. 

Coming of Age in Second Life: An Anthropologist Explores the Virtually Human 
by Tom Boellstorff 

Second Life is an online game and platform that allows users to explore an open online world and interact with others. Boellstorff's book provides a detailed ethnography of Second Life and the people who inhabit it, offering insights into the virtual world’s social norms, culture, and relationships. The book highlights how people use Second Life as a platform for self-expression, experimentation, and identity construction, and how they build communities and connections with others in the virtual space. Additionally, Boellstorff examines the implications of virtual worlds for our understanding of what it means to be human and how we perceive our own social and cultural identities.

We
by Yevgeny Zamyatin

We, a dystopian novel written by Russian author Yevgeny Zamyatin shortly after the Bolshevik Revolution, takes place in a future society called the OneState where people’s lives are strictly regimented and controlled by the government. The protagonist, a mathematician named D-503, begins to question the society he lives in when he falls in love with a rebellious woman named I-330. The book explores themes of individualism, free will, and the dangers of totalitarianism. We was one of the first dystopian novels ever written and has had a significant impact on the genre.

Belonging: A Culture of Place
by bell hooks 

In this work, the inimitable bell hooks explores the importance of place and community for human flourishing. She argues that true belonging can only be achieved when individuals are deeply connected to the natural and built environments around them, and when they are able to participate fully in the life of their communities. Through personal anecdotes and insightful analysis, hooks makes a compelling case for the transformative power of belonging, and offers a roadmap for those seeking to cultivate a more rooted and meaningful sense of connection in their own lives. 

The Elementary Forms of Religious Life
by Émile Durkheim 

The elementary forms of religious life, as described by sociologist Émile Durkheim, refer to the fundamental practices and beliefs that are present in all religions. Durkheim argued that religion is not just an individual or personal experience, but a social phenomenon that is integral to the functioning of society. These elementary forms of religious life include the belief in supernatural beings or forces, the presence of sacred objects or rituals, and the establishment of a moral code. These elements create a sense of community and provide individuals with a shared sense of purpose and meaning, which strengthens social cohesion and fosters a sense of collective identity.

The Art of Gathering
by Priya Parker 

In The Art of Gathering, Priya Parker, a facilitator and expert on group dynamics, explores the importance of purposeful and meaningful gatherings, whether it be for personal, professional, or community reasons. Parker provides practical advice and insights on how to design and lead gatherings that create authentic connections and experiences for participants. The book is a useful guide for anyone interested in creating more meaningful and impactful gatherings, from intimate dinners to large-scale events.

Dancing in the Streets
by Barbara Ehrenreich 

Cultural historian Barbara Ehrenreich’s Dancing in the Streets explores the history and significance of collective joy and celebration in human societies. The book traces the evolution of public celebrations and rituals, from ancient tribal rituals to modern music festivals. Ehrenreich argues that these collective gatherings and expressions of joy have played a critical role in promoting social cohesion, building community, and fostering creativity and innovation. She also examines how political and economic forces have often sought to suppress or control collective expressions of joy and the implications of this for society.

Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community (revised and updated)
by Robert D. Putnam 

Bowling Alone explores the decline of social capital and civic engagement in America. Putnam argues that the rise of individualism and the decline of community-based organisations have led to a decline in social trust and cooperation, resulting in a range of social and political problems. The book has had a significant impact on public policy and has been widely cited in discussions of social and political issues. Putnam offers suggestions for how individuals and communities can work to rebuild social capital and foster greater engagement in civic life.

Alone Together
by Sherry Turkle 

Written by MIT Technology and Society professor Sherry Turkle, this book explores the impact of technology, particularly social media and smartphones, on our relationships and sense of self. Turkle argues that while technology has the potential to connect us, it often leaves us feeling more disconnected and alone. Through a range of case studies and interviews, Turkle highlights how technology has changed the way we communicate, form relationships, and understand ourselves. She suggests that we need to be more mindful of our use of technology and find ways to balance it with face-to-face interaction and human connection. The book provides a thought-provoking look at the ways in which technology is shaping our lives and relationships in the modern world.

Deaths of Despair and the Future of Capitalism
by Anne Case and Angus Deaton 

Economists Anne Case and Angus Deaton explore the rise in “deaths of despair” among working-class white Americans in recent decades. The authors argue that economic and social changes, such as declining job opportunities, income stagnation, and social isolation, have contributed to rising rates of suicide, drug overdoses, and alcohol-related deaths among this demographic. The book provides a detailed analysis of the data and trends behind these phenomena and suggests policies that could address the underlying causes of despair and promote better health and well-being. The book is a sobering look at the challenges facing working-class Americans and the urgent need for policies that support their economic and social well-being.

The End of Love: A Sociology of Negative Relations
by Eva Illouz 

The End of Love is about the abrupt termination of close bonds – an increasingly common phenomenon. Illouz argues that modern society places significant emphasis on individualism, self-expression, and personal fulfillment, leading to the breakdown of traditional relationships and the rise of negative emotions. Through a range of case studies and sociological analysis, Illouz highlights the ways in which negative emotions are expressed, managed, and interpreted. The book provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of modern romance and similarly close connections as well as the challenges of maintaining healthy relationships in an increasingly individualistic and emotionally charged world.

Afropean: Notes from Black Europe
by Johny Pitts 

Afropean by Johny Pitts documents the lives of black people living in Europe through a combination of original on-the-ground photography and first-person reporting. Pitts visits black communities in Paris, Lisbon, and Brussels, as well as students in Moscow to document the ways in which black communities have both established themselves and been marginalised across Europe. “Afropean,” he writes, suggests “the possibility of living in and with more than one idea… That being black in Europe didn’t necessarily mean being an immigrant.”

The Doctrine of the Mean
by Confucius 

The Doctrine of the Mean is a Confucian text that emphasises the importance of achieving balance and harmony in all aspects of life. It suggests that the key to living a virtuous life is to maintain a middle way between excess and deficiency in all things, whether it be emotions, actions, or thoughts. The text stresses the importance of cultivating inner virtues such as honesty, humility, and compassion, which then manifest in one’s relationships with others and society as a whole. It also emphasises the role of education and self-cultivation in achieving this balance and harmony, suggesting that personal transformation and the pursuit of knowledge are essential for achieving a meaningful and fulfilling life. The Doctrine of the Mean is a key text in Confucian philosophy, highlighting the importance of personal responsibility, belonging, and ethical behaviour for the greater good of society. 

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