Summary

Belonging is a key barometer of cultural citizenship. It contributes to one's capacity to participate in culture. At the same time, participation and cultural capacity can also enhance belonging.

This framework sees belonging as a multi-dimensional and flexible category. People from culturally diverse backgrounds often have multiple attachments and connections to different communities, and all of these form an important part of their identity. People may feel a sense of belonging to Australia, to their neighbourhood, to their local ethnic community, and to networks of family and friends overseas. All of these kinds of belonging are important.

This framework identifies five main modes of belonging that contribute to cultural citizenship: national belonging, transnational belonging, local belonging, cosmopolitan belonging, and, ethnic belonging.

Related entries