Definition of

Sense of belonging

Patriotism

It is common for people to develop a sense of belonging linked to their homeland.

The notion of meaning can be linked to the physiological process of receiving and recognizing 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 a thing has with the person who has the right to it. The concept, therefore, is used to name that which is the property of a specific person. At a social level, belonging is the circumstance of being part of a group, a community or another type of group.

What is the sense of belonging

These definitions help us understand the notion of sense of belonging , which is a person's satisfaction in 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 means that human beings develop a conscious attitude towards other people, in whom they see themselves reflected by identifying with their values ​​and customs .

This sense, on the other hand, confers active behavior to the individual who is willing to defend his or her group and express his or her adhesion, support or inclusion in the community publicly.

patriotism

An example of a sense of belonging can be found in the relationship between a person and their country. The place of birth, combined with upbringing and education in a certain territory, can generate a sense of belonging that leads an individual to identify with his compatriots and wish good for 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 sport, especially football.

However, the sense of belonging to a country, or even a family, can disappear and be replaced by another connection . 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 a feeling of nationalism exists before embarking on the journey, it usually does not stay alive for long.

Herd

The sense of belonging can be seen among the members of a pack.

Changes in the sense of belonging

This does not mean that there must necessarily be a sense of belonging to a nation and that if the original fades away, 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 about 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 common point for all living beings with which 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 case of animals

The closest example we have of a pure sense of belonging is that felt by animals that group together 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, their roles and those of others, to general well-being and to maintaining the union to be stronger.

We don't know what they think or if they consider their species to be superior to others (as human beings do), but at least we don't see them wasting time: they know how to defend themselves and provide for themselves, they travel countless kilometers and overcome 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 truly, in the flesh, with only one face.