Week 7- The notion of belonging-Social Identity

(http://www.sirc.org/publik/belonging.pdf)
Research Comissioned by The automobile Association.July,2007.

Summary and highlights
This report focuses on the theme of 'belonging' in 21st century Britain.The
notion of belonging, or social identity, is a central aspect of how we define who we are. We consider ourselves to be individuals but it is our membership of
particular groups that is most important in constructing a sense of identity.

Social identity is a fundamental aspect of what it is to be human.
In Britain today there is public debate suggesting that we are losing this essential sense of belonging — that globalization, for example, far from bringing people closer together, is actually moving us apart. We hear that our neighbourhoods are becoming evermore impersonal and anonymous and that we no longer have a sense of place. But is this really the case? Are we losing our sense of belonging, or are we simply finding new ways to locate ourselves in a changing society? This report seeks an answer.