The Brain as a Social Organ
“The human brain is very much a social organ” (Cozolino 2013, p.3).
From the beginning of human existence, humans have needed relationships and attachment because they do not exist well in isolation. Many authors agree that humans need, perhaps yearn, to be understood because the things we say have little meaning until someone else relates to and understands it (Botton, 2013; Cozolino, 2014). This is true regardless of age, race or gender. Everyone needs to feel safe and be a part of what Cozolino (2014) calls a ‘tribe’. Within a tribe our brains are shaped through communication and trusting relationships. Cozolino (2014, p. 4) writes:
“Relationships are our natural habitat and the drive to belong is a fundamental human motivation. From birth until death, each of us needs others to help us feel safe, seek us out, and show interest in discovering who we are. Regardless of age, it is vital for us to feel a part of, participate in, and contribute to our various tribes. This is as true for principals, teachers, and school board members as it is for our students. …the brain evolved into a social organ, shaped by the tribal environment to which it had to adapt for thousands of generations”.
“When we see a child walking off a field after a soccer game looking sad because they have just lost, there is part of us that turns and curls down as well, so we feel their sadness”.
This is an additional video, hosted on YouTube.
How might this change your approach to your teaching? Feel free to share your thoughts with your peers in the comments.
In your own time, you may wish to read the first chapter from Louis Cozolino’s book.
Further Reading
Chapter 1, ‘The evolution and development of the social brain’ from Louis Cozolino’s book.
References
Capellainspires (2011, May). Louis Cozolino – The brain is a social organ. [Video file]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYokFn1nw4Q&feature=youtu.be
Cozolino, L. (2011). The brain is a social organ. . Retreived from https://youtu.be/MYokFn1nw4Q
Cozolino, L. (2014). Our Social Brains. The Neuropsychotherapist Journal.
Cozolino, L. (2014). The neuroscience of human relationships: attachment and the developing social brain (2nd edition). W. W. Norton & Company
De Botton, A. (2013). The consolations of philosophy. Vintage.
Reach your personal and professional goals
Unlock access to hundreds of expert online courses and degrees from top universities and educators to gain accredited qualifications and professional CV-building certificates.
Join over 18 million learners to launch, switch or build upon your career, all at your own pace, across a wide range of topic areas.
