Conformity within a group entails members changing their attitudes and beliefs in order to match those of others within the group. Those that conform tend to be obedient and compliant. In order to conform, the group member must attribute someone as having the legitimacy and credibility to lead or influence the group's behaviour. Without this "leader", conformity toward the group's goals will be less prevalent. If a member of the group fails to conform to the groups needs, he/she would lose credibility with the rest of the group.
How we determine a sense of belonging is through the choice of whether or not to change our perceptions and attitudes, not to the change the environment. Within our course to self discovery, we experience belonging through relationships, but there are barriers that prevent us from choosing whether or not to belong. These barriers strengthen our human need for connections. Different aspects of belonging are conveyed in Raimond Gaita’s Romulus My Father and the poem We Are Going by Oodgeroo of the tribe Noonuccal, and the picture book by Shaun Tan The Arrival , where different levels and ideas of belonging are explored. Through relationships, individuals choose to create a sense of belonging.
The human psyche is driven by the desire to feel accepted and included followed by the underlying feature to socialise. This is explored through the concept of belonging which creates a duality nature in which an individual’s ability to interact with others in society can be of a positive and negative influence. Factors like the environment consist of social and cultural constructs which define a human’s sense of identity as it facilitates the notion of shared experiences and interest. However a lack of mutual identity can be of a negative nature as it isolates those who cannot conform to the expectation of other’s. On this basis, shared identity is clearly evident in Peter Skrzynecki’s anthology; The Immigrant Chronicles who describes the
Belonging is an intrinsic human desire that motivates individuals to actively pursue it. Unfortunately barriers exist that make the attainment of belonging seemingly impossible to certain individuals. The challenge is to accept these obstacles, forge through them and strengthen your sense of belonging beyond its original state. Belonging is an innate part of the human psyche and we are all impacted either positively or negatively reflective of whether or not we belong. The relationships we share with those around us can either hinder or support this emotional state.
BELONGING THESIS: * Reference to question. * Statement about belonging/ not belonging that is evident in The Simple Gift and Lord of The Flies (connections, isolation, alienation, self-worth, identity) * Connections to people or places are a necessity if one is to truly feel they belong * Belonging is a subjective matter; only the individual knows whether they belong or not. * An understanding of the individual’s environment in which they live aids in establishing connection. * This connection allows a person to gain a higher sense of self-worth and identity. * Mention chosen texts: * The free verse novel “The Simple Gift” by Steven Herrick accurately displays the degree to which connections to both people
"Explore how perceptions of belonging and not belonging can be influenced by connections to places." Through connection to place and past decisions an individual makes, they hold importance in the determining of their sense of self, ultimately either shaping their sense of belonging or not belonging. Ancestors and Postcard by Peter Skrzynecki both demonstrate how the persona's choice to not conform and accept their spiritual connection to place ultimately contributes to molding their identity, as well as emphasise how they don't belong. Similarly, 'On the Way Home' by Bruce Dawe also explains how the decision to not conform can actually enhance one's sense of belonging, as well as how the awareness of the larger world can shape an individual's sense of self. Hence, an individuals' approach towards belonging is shaped by the decisions made in the past, ultimately determining their sense of self.
There is an innate human need to belong, and throughout time people have struggled to find a sense of connection to the environment and to those around them. A sense of belonging is a significant factor of shaping an individuals’ sense of self, a connection can be found through relationships and a free environment. This notion can be seen in Shakespeare’s As You Like It, Melina Marchetta’s 2006 novel, On the Jellicoe road, and Gary Ross’ 1998 film, Pleasantville. Relationships are an inherent part of the human condition, and ultimately it is relationships forged in a free environment that lead people to overcome the struggle to belong and find a sense of belonging. In As you like It the characters find a sense of belonging through the honest relationships they forge with each other in the Forest of Arden away from the restrictions of the court to which they are accustomed.
“Explore how perceptions of belonging and not belonging can be influenced by connections to place” Belonging can be perceived in many different ways, and having a sense of belonging is essential to an individual’s life. Belonging creates a sense of connection and acceptance to people, groups, places, communities or the world itself, allowing the individual to have a sense of identity. The text “Swallow the Air” is a perfect representation of how concepts of belonging are portrayed and can be influenced by connections to place. Mays sense of identity is corrupted through damaging experiences, leaving May exposed and vulnerable. This sense of vulnerability creates a sense of isolation and displacement in society for May.
When making a decision, people often conform to his or her community, rather than being unique to his or her own beliefs. When an individual speaks out, it brings a new perspective to society, and changes the way the group views the subject. In the play Antigone by Sophocles, and the short story Iniation, by Sylvia Plath, the author uses conflict and theme to demonstrate how an individual will sacrifice their social life, or physical life, by remaining truthful to his or her own ideas, or by representing that of the minority group. An individual’s ideas express the feelings of a minority group, to society, and encourage change. For change to occur, a minority figure or an individual must stand up for their own, beliefs, rather than assimilating
Explore how perceptions of belonging and not belonging can be influenced by connections to places. In your response, refer to your prescribed text and at least ONE other related text of your own choosing. An individual’s perceptions of belonging and not belonging can be influenced by our connections to places. Our sense of belonging is enhanced by our ability to develop relationships with physical places. However, we also understand that a lack of connection to a physical place can ultimately prevent us from belonging.