Theories and theorising of belonging

This chapter introduces the key ideas, literature and theories of belonging across the social sciences, as well as in education. It describes the different ways the concept of belonging is understood, enacted, experienced and its effects on individuals, social groups, solidarities and collectivities and wider society. It provides a summary of the thinking and research on belonging by influential and seminal scholars, including Yuval-Davis, Antonisch, Wright, Colhoun, Amin, Youkhana, Ahmed and Baumeister and Leary. It identifies the similarities and differences in their perspectives and across their different social science disciplines. Summaries of each chapter in the collection are provided. In brief, this chapter reinforces the complexity of belonging as a theory, practice and mode of being and its contemporary salience for young people and education. Copyright © 2018 The Author(s).