Multiple Paths to Belonging That We Should Study Together

Abstract

We propose a broadened conceptualization of what it means to belong by reviewing evidence that there is more than one way to achieve a sense of belonging. We suggest four paths—a communal-relationship path, a general-approbation path, a group-membership path, and a minor-sociability path—and review some evidence for the existence of each. We call for researchers to recognize that multiple paths to belonging exist and to study whether and how the paths combine and interact to influence people’s sense of belonging. Choosing the communal-relationship path and the general-approbation path as an example, we highlight times when these paths may (a) mesh well and produce additive boosts to a person’s sense of belonging, (b) substitute for one another, and (c) conflict with one another and cause ambivalence. We further call for the development of refined measures of the need to belong and of having a sense of achieved belonging as well as new measures of striving to achieve belonging through specific paths. We suggest that broadening the conceptualization of belonging will help integrate existing literature and generate future research.

Belonging in general chemistry predicts first-year undergraduates’ performance and attrition

“…These instruments often ask about students' general perceptions of belonging in a STEM context (e.g., I feel like I fit in the General Chemistry course) or about one or two specific components of belonging (e.g., I feel comfortable with my instructors in the General Chemistry course). However, Hirsch and Clark (2019) recently argued that multiple pathways towards student belonging exist, which can interact and should therefore be studied in tandem. Thus, the development of multifaceted, validated measures of student belonging could clarify what it means to belong in STEM settings and point towards more precise interventions for supporting student belonging and success.…”

Social Bonding in Initial Acquaintance: Effects of Modality and Modality Order

“…Social bonds, even if transitory, are exceedingly important to people, especially if they go smoothly and generate good feelings. Such smooth interactions between individuals getting acquainted, for example, can contribute to a sense of belonging (Hirsch and Clark 2019;Sandstrom and Dunn 2014). Today, many people connect with others briefly in more than one mode of communication.…”

“…Furthermore, this study contributes to the understanding of the factors that affect the degree to which social interactions among weak ties generate pleasant and positive responses. Weak ties have recently been identified (Hirsch and Clark 2019;Sandstrom and Dunn 2014) as an important alternative path (to intimate relationships) in meeting the fundamental human need to belong (Baumeister and Leary 1995;Beckwith 2019). More specifically, this study examines the effect of communication mode (CMC vs. FtF), as well as modality switching order, on affective reactions that occur in get-acquainted interactions.…”

The dual path of the rejection (dis)identification model: A study on adolescents with a migrant background

“…At the conceptual level, it integrates the line of research about the rejection‐(dis) identification model with theorizations on the consequences of prolonged experiences of social exclusion (e.g., Smart Richman & Leary, 2009; Williams, 2009). The interpretation of the rejection‐(dis)identification model from this perspective is that rejection can undermine one of the core human needs, which is the need to belong (Hirsh & Clark, 2018). In the specific case of adolescents with a migrant background, being a victim of ethic‐based rejection may lead individuals to withdraw from the rejecting group and to look for “alternative relationships” (see Smart Richman & Leary, 2009, p. 370).…”