ABSTRACT
Having a sense of belonging to groups, whether these be families, groups of friends, social groups, schools, workplaces or communities more broadly has a positive effect on a number of key factors that contribute to our successful healthy functioning as human beings in a society. This chapter seeks to draw from the broader literature, both academic and popular, in a bid to define and conceptualise belonging in a colourful yet meaningful way. We will spend some time examining evolutionary perspectives and animal studies and will pay homage to the founders of specific psychological theories that have shaped the way we understand what it truly means to belong.
