Syria, the Homeland. Feeling at Home in Rotterdam? The Multiple Feelings of Belonging of Resettled Syrian-Born Youngsters with a Refugee Background

Abstract

This article focuses on the multiple feelings of belonging that refugee-background youngsters experience toward their country of origin (Syria) and their city of resettlement (Rotterdam). The conceptual framework of Antonsich is used to examine how personal and social dimensions shape their belonging. Based on interviews and photo-elicitation with 19 young people, this study shows that the feeling of belonging toward Syria is presented as a natural given, whereas the feeling of belonging toward Rotterdam developed over time, shaped by increasing familiarity and normalcy. Although exclusion is experienced incidentally, this does not greatly hinder youngsters’ sense of belonging toward Rotterdam.