What does belonging mean for young people who are International New Arrivals?

Abstract

A sense of belonging is a complex process which can play a crucial part in the emotional well-being and academic success of young people. When pupils do not feel a sense of belonging at school, motivation, engagement, academic achievement and attendance are all at risk. International New Arrivals (INA) may find the process of adjusting to a new culture and developing a sense of belonging in school challenging. The current research sought to understand the development of belonging from the perspective of INA young people. Five INA pupils from two high schools participated in semi-structured interviews. The findings illustrate that asense of belonging involves a complex interaction between many factors. Some factors are intrinsic to the INA pupils, whereas others take place within the school environment. Several themes involve both internal and external factors, this mirrors the processes that are involved in more general enculturation and acculturation processes.This research highlights the important role that schools play in promoting a sense of belonging for INA pupils and how Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Model provides a useful framework to consider the range of factors that impact on INA pupils’ sense of belonging.