What Does sense of belonging Mean
The notion of meaning can be linked to the physiological process of reception and recognition of stimuli that is carried out through the senses; to reason or understanding; to the full meaning; or to the purpose of something.
From the Latin pertinentia , belonging is the relationship that something has with the person who has the right to it. The concept, therefore, is used to name what is owned by a specific person . At the social level, belonging is the circumstance of being part of a group, a community or another type of group.
These definitions help us understand the notion of a sense of belonging , which is the satisfaction of a person by feeling like an integral part of a group . The subject, in this way, feels identified with the rest of the members, whom he understands as peers.
The sense of belonging supposes that the human being develops a conscious attitude towards other people, in whom it is reflected by identifying with their values and customs .
This sense, on the other hand, confers an active behavior to the individual who is willing to defend his group and to express his adherence, support or inclusion to the community in a public way.
An example of a sense of belonging can be found in the relationship between a person and their country . The place of birth, added to the upbringing and education in a certain territory, can generate a sense of belonging that leads an individual to identify with his compatriots and wish the good of his nation, even when this means that another is harmed . Without a doubt, the area in which this seemingly unbreakable bond is most commonly appreciated is sports, especially soccer.
However, the sense of belonging to a country, or even a family, can disappear and be replaced by another link . People who leave their homeland in search of a better future do so because they have not been given enough tools or opportunities to see their plans flourish in their place of origin. In cases like this, if there is a feeling of nationalism before you set out on the journey, it usually doesn't stay alive for long.
This does not mean that there must necessarily be a sense of belonging to a nation and that if the original fades, then it must be replaced by another; Many times the closest bond is established with oneself, with the beings who truly accompany us, who support us and dare to tell us what they really think of our ideas and attitudes, with those who remain by our side in the worst times .
Faced with the idea of not belonging to a land defined by borders, but to the Earth as a point common to all living beings with whom we share the same oxygen, the same water and the same Sun, we can become stronger, know ourselves better. ourselves and respect ourselves more, as a consequence of abandoning idolatry.
The closest example we have of a pure sense of belonging is that felt by animals that are grouped in packs, such as wolves or lions. Although their way of communicating is different from ours, it is not difficult to appreciate the importance they give to their colleagues, to their roles and to others, to the general well-being and to maintain the union to be stronger.
We do not know what they think or if they consider that their species is superior to others (as we human beings do), but at least we do not see them wasting time: they know how to defend themselves and self-sufficient, they travel countless kilometers and overcome the intense cold and heat . There are no loans or scholarships denied. There are no corrupt rulers. There is only true company, a sense of belonging to those who are and will always be true, in the flesh, with only one face.