The Possibilities in Problematising Social Connection as More-Than-Human: A Speculative Case

Abstract

Increasing concerns about social disconnection and the epidemic of loneliness have emphasised the importance of social connection for the mental and physical health, productivity and general wellbeing of individuals, communities and society. Robust multidisciplinary evidence indicates a strong association between social connection and positive health and wellbeing outcomes. Social relationships provide people with a sense of belonging, purpose, meaning and support and are vital to health and longevity. Yet until now, research has defined social connection and participation almost entirely in human terms. With a view to extending the scope of existing research, this paper speculates on the possibilities in problematising social connection as more-than-human. It takes a posthuman feminist, new materialist approach to examining the affective more-than-human engagements that occur in museums. What these museum encounters highlight is diverse more-than-human modes of belonging and participation that raise awareness of interdependence, injustices, inequities and other societal concerns. Encounters increased self-esteem and moved participants to voice care, concern and collective responsibility. More-than-human encounters such as these open up many possibilities for simultaneously mitigating social disconnection and loneliness whilst fostering engagement with shared complex challenges and an awareness of our fundamental interdependence with a multitude of nonhumans.