Belonging Flashcards
Definition
In the context of place, to belong means to be part of
the community. Belonging is increasingly seen as one
of the key factors that makes a place sustainable and
successful.
Regeneration schemes now often focus
as much on the social environment as on the built
environment and the work of different agencies and
individuals can have a positive impact on people’s
lived experience of the place in which they live. The Transition Town movement, detailed , is an initiative that places great emphasis on community involvement and has been successful in developing a
clearer sense of belonging in places all over the world.
Factors
The extent to which one might feel a sense of belonging
to a place can be influenced by a number of factors, such
as age, gender, sexuality, socio-economic status, religion
and level of education.
Race and ethnicity can also be linked to the feeling of
belonging. Race is based on biological and physical
characteristics such as skin colour. Ethnicity is a broader
concept which can be defined as belonging to a social
group that has a common national or cultural tradition
such as language and ancestry.
Cultural diversity
As globalisation and migration have increased, many
places, particularly cities, have become much more
ethnically and culturally diverse. London is often
referred to as one of the world’s most multicultural
cities and hosts an enormous number and variety of
festivals which demonstrate this. It has the largest
Chinese New Year festival outside China and other
celebrations include Vaisakhi (Sikh New Year), Diwali
(the Hindu Festival of Lights) and the Shubbak Festival
of Arab culture. In spite of its multicultural status, there
are still minority ethnic clusters in parts of London,
including China Town in Soho and Banglatown in and
around Brick Lane. These have tended to develop, with
dedicated shops and services, for reasons of mutual
support and cultural preservation.
