Chasing We-Ness: Cultivating Empathy and Leadership in a Polarized World

As humans, we embrace our individuality, yet we chase the comfort and sense of purpose that comes from being part of a group. Especially timely given our polarized world, Chasing We-ness examines how social media, AI, new leadership styles, and other modern developments affect our state of we-ness. It illuminates how our contemporary identities find expression in both progressive and conservative social movements that foster a sense of we-ness. Embracing the reality that ＂we’re all in this together,＂ the book interrogates our efforts to achieve a state of we-ness that rejects hate, social injustice, and autocratic agendas in the twenty-first century.

This book explores why, how, and with what effect we build we-ness into our lives in both healthy and destructive ways. William Marsiglio draws on his expertise as a leading sociologist to explore the motivational forces that inspire a sense of group belonging in intimate groups, civic organizations, thought communities, sports and leisure activities, and work. Promoting initiatives that cultivate mindfulness, empathy, altruism, and leadership, Chasing We-ness proposes essential life skills to empower us, reduce social divisions, strengthen the social fabric, and uplift our spirits as global citizens.

William Marsiglio is a professor of sociology at the University of Florida. He is a leading scholar in the fields of family and fatherhood and a fellow at the National Council on Family Relations. He is the author or co-author of thirteen books including Chasing We-ness: Cultivating Empathy and Leadership in a Polarized World, Dads, Kids, and Fitness: A Father’s Guide to Family Health, and Men on a Mission: Valuing Youth Work in Our Communities. Much of his qualitative research and writing explores how men, as fathers and youth workers, relate to children and promote health and fitness.