Learnings on Belonging from Community Living Practices Worldwide
Discover how diverse communal living models across the globe foster deep social connections and combat loneliness. Learn valuable, cross-cultural insights on collective actions to build stronger and interconnected social roots.
If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. – Mother Teresa
Welcome back dear readers. I am sure, that you all have pondered on why belonging is the crucible of our existence. We all know that very well, yet we tend to undermine it and forget its importance.
In the previous blog post we were acquainted with the Sustainable Development Goals, its agenda, the need for them and how its principles have been interwoven around belonging. In this post, we will focus our attention on the ways in which the sense of belongingness is being reinstated through various community-based programs and practices in the world.
It’s not always enough to go looking for the place we belong. Sometimes we need to make that place. ― Sangu Mandanna
We live in distressing times, and the world is going through strides of upheavals, structural changes, constant conflicts, where the crisis of belonging has emerged as one of the most striking public health concerns. Not all are affected in the same way and with the same intensity, yet no one is untouched by loneliness or lack of belonging.
Some of the most marginalized populations are the resource-less, poverty-stricken, socio-economically backward population groups, those who live intersectional identities and are impacted by multiple marginalizing factors, owing to their social position,gender, class, race, creed, religion, linguistic background, sexual orientation, ability, age, occupation and many more which brings cumulative effect of discrimination, exclusion and profound vulnerabilities.
The UN’s Human Development Report 2016 (UNDP) recognizes women and girls,migrants and refugees, indigenous peoples, ethnic minorities, disabled people, LGBTI individuals, older adults, and people in vulnerable locations as being marginalized groups, that remain "left behind by global development priorities." Left behind, subject to systemic discrimination, these groups are at risk for social exclusion and social isolation.
According to some estimates made by the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately at least 10% of adolescents, and 25% of older adult people are reportedly lonely. The Global State of Connections report says at least a quarter of 4.5 billion people felt ‘lonely’ or ‘very lonely’ in 2023, which is 1 in 5 people in the world. About 16% of the global population are persons with disabilities (PwDs), threatened by discrimination and so disability inclusive actions are important in achieving SDGs. The prevalence for social marginalization and loneliness among non-binary and gender diverse people is more alarming as they are affected by multiple factors, chronic stigmatization and intense discrimination. Developing stronger social connection opportunities, creating safe spaces, and instilling sense of belonging has thus become a decisive and definitive mitigating strategy everywhere.
Looking into this situation, the WHO established a Commission on Social Connection in November 2023 for a tenure of three years and would investigate the issue recognized and resourced as a global public health priority. They intend to increase the visibility of this health crisis worldwide and push the rationale and priority on promoting social connection and belonging which are foundational for well-functioning communities, societies and economies.
WHO has formed a Technical Advisory Group - Social Connection in 2023 to mitigate the problem of loneliness globally and with the help of the UN health agency it has stepped up efforts to identify means to tackle it. In other words, loneliness has been named the global public health priority. Mapping effective interventions to promote belonging and social connections from different countries would allow us to survey the breadth of means, and facilitate learning from doing, or specifically, learning from how others do. At the outset, it is clear that community plays a pivotal role in maintaining the social fabric, influencing the lived experiences of people, providing essential support networks and resources for navigating the social and environmental challenges in everyday life. Programs designed to harness social inclusion and improve accessibility, participation, communication, of the marginalized people must be acknowledged, celebrated and scaled up for wider reach. One such example is the guidelines prescribed by WHO; the Community‐Based Rehabilitation Guidelines (CBR) for promoting social inclusion for people with disabilities.
Sidenote: Community is a catalyst for mental well-being, reducing isolation and increasing emotional supportive spaces for positive interaction, receiving validation, navigating life’s challenges.
We can look more specifically at programmes underway in specific regions of the world in the next section.
Asia-Pacific Region
In countries of Asia and Pacific region, the mix of social model and medical model is being followed for disability inclusion in accessibility policies and laws. The non-governmental organizations in Japan, non-profit sector in Taiwan, Vietnam and Thailand have strived for and was able to bring forth legal and institutional reforms, infrastructural amendments towards‘barrier-free society’ for improvement of quality of lives of PwDs. From relying solely on philanthropic and public charity provisions, and the issue of disability needs being considered as a subjective and individual problem,social movements by grassroots communities in these countries were able to lobby and enforce inclusive transportation, access to information, design of buildings and public spaces, social accessibility for PwDs. The citizens and NGO activists pushed their governments to provide state welfare services for the PwDs and become signatories of United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
Singapore is a fast-aging country and by 2035, estimated one-third of its population will be over 65 years of age. The concerns of growing loneliness, mental health problems are staring at their face. As a solution, in Singapore the multinational and multicultural residential neighbourhoods are designed for enhancing social cohesion among its citizens. The innovative public housing policies have reduced racial and ethnic segregation and nurtured social integration and belonging especially among the older adults. The older adults enjoy living in co-dependent and age-friendly neighbourhoods with aesthetic and functional public spaces and therapeutic gardening spaces within easy reach.
South Asian societies are collectivist by nature. Indian culture is founded on the philosophy ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ which treats guests as God in the country and reflects the ideologies that promote belonging and social connection. In India for example group spiritual practices like prayer, fostering family and community engagement through participation in religious festivals, and promoting active, healthy lifestyles though yoga and meditation, extended family support are ways which encourage belonging and combat loneliness. Practices of meditation programs in groups have helped in mitigating loneliness and promoting wellbeing, life satisfaction and contentment among retired South Asian older adults. Initiatives by city police departments in addressing the concerns of older adults pertaining to their safety and security, mental and physical health, legal matters, have facilitated belonging, solidarity and dignity among older adults in Kolkata city in India.
Africa
In Africa, preservation of languages, kinship ties, cultural practices, emphasizes communalism, interconnectedness, collective unity and life deeply rooted in land and community relationships. The philosophy of ubuntu or hunhu which embodies African indigenous humanism is a people-centred approach and a window to look into the world through spirituality, nature and community diversity. Community life is the cornerstone in African way of living and thus this ethnic philosophy of life translates into the proverb, ‘I am because we are, and since we are, therefore I am.’
Traditional African culture imbibes deep cultural ties, sense of community, interpersonal dynamics, hospitality, closeness to nature and animistic religions, respect for authority and seniority, family bonding in their daily lives. The people of Africa take pride in their identity, and they recognise the institution of family as the natural unit, foundational basis and pillar of society. The governments have been promoting indigenous knowledge in community development such as education, skill-building and performative arts, advocates local control over agricultural policies and resources management.
South America
The cultural concept of familismo in South American countries is again a protective shield against loneliness. The Latino culture though constituted by diverse regionally, endorses strong family loyalty, closeness, compatibility and contributing to the wellbeing of the network of family cum kinship. The traditional knowledge, morality and value notions such as food habits, lifestyle, folklores, beliefs, heritage, values and rituals are passed down intergenerationally. Positive collective ethnic identity is found to be a driving and cementing force among the Latin population as a resilient and protective factor impacting population wellbeing. Furthermore, ‘sense of place’, collective activities such as sports, dance, food have enabled strengthening and expanding the cultural and national identity in the continent. Furthermore, the concepts of simpatía (creating positive emotional tone and avoiding negativity in social interaction) and respeto (formal politeness in social interaction) is central to their collective community existence.
North America
The Surgeon General of USA released an advisory report titled 'Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community' in 2023, where benefits of community-based social connectedness were discussed along with recommendations for stakeholders and strategies towards creating belonging.
Canada addresses belonging through legislation, funding programs, and institutional strategies aimed at fostering inclusion and combating discrimination. Canada was the first country in the world to bestow legislation on multiculturalism policy through the enactment of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act in 1988 which promotes DEI. Further, under the Canada Community Security Program (CCSP) government funding is provided to community centers and places of worship at risk of hate-motivated crime to enhance security. In 2024, Canada also launched the first-ever Canada’s Action Plan on Combating Hate.
Europe
In response to various changes and challenges across Europe, the European Union (EU) introduced cultural policy measures aimed at shaping a shared European identity and helping citizens feel more connected to Europe and the EU. One key initiative is the European Heritage Label (EHL), created in 2011, which highlights heritage sites that reflect European values and history. The main goals of this program are to enhance citizens’ sense of belonging to the EU and to promote dialogue between different cultures. Furthermore, the Europe for Citizens Programme was funded by EU between 2014-2020 to inculcate European identity, and encourage citizen participation in promoting cultural aspects of the living and thereby creating belonging.
In United Kingdom (UK), loneliness has been problematized as a major public health issue and in 2018 the world’s first government strategy for tackling loneliness was published by Government of UK titled “A Connected Society” aimed at propagating anti-loneliness action plans. The government of UK also formed Tackling Loneliness Network which envisages innovative ideas to tackle loneliness, encourage belonging through awareness raising, data sharing and evidence-based research. Also, ‘Every Mind Matters” and “Lift Someone Out of Loneliness” campaigns launched by the government focuses on belonging by encouraging people to carry out small acts of kindness for each other.
Australia and New Zealand
Australian State and territorial governments acknowledge the presence of deep multiculturalism in the country by developing a policy charter called The People of Australia in 2011. The country’s governments have been actively promoting social cohesion, engagement of migrants through access to equitable and inclusive opportunities, overcoming racism, discrimination and intolerance. Populations from various ethnic and racial backgrounds are encouraged for social and civic participation. Australian Multicultural Advisory Council was established in 2008 with adequate budgetary allocations highlighting the role of the governance towards implementing numerous policy initiatives to make Australia strong, united by embracing diversity.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment of the Government of New Zealand has promoted inclusivity in their work (mahi in Maori language) by engaging with Tangata Whenua, Pasifika, Asian and Rainbow employees along with other minority groups. Their philosophy of NōKonei–Belong in Te Reo Māori language translates into ‘from here’ is the official inclusion and diversity strategy of the government. Charitable trusts such as Belong Aotearoa in New Zealand have catered to improve inclusion, belonging and wellbeing for refugees and migrant communities in Auckland and other cities of the country. By cross-sector collaboration, advocacy, and partnering with communities these organisations have continued to empower the indigenous and non-native people in New Zealand.
Conclusion
So, we come to know about these practices from all over the world highlighting the importance of community-based lifestyles, their engagement in everyday living and just being a supportive system which has our back even at low times. This is exactly what CMHA York and South Simcoe Region’s Solutions for Belonging is advocating for. The community tools for co-creating belonging as conceptualized in the framework are standing on four conditional pillars of Presence, Access, Culture and Place. It would be interesting to investigate how these four pillars have been utilized in promoting social inclusion in community programs across the regions of the world.
Thus, the power of community-based initiatives at the individual, family, neighbourhood and institutional levels must be leveraged for promoting belonging effectively. In our next blog, we will deep dive into a community-based social approach in promoting public health.
Author: Sudeshna Roy
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