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Social Sustainability through Children’s Expressions of Belonging in Peer Communities

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  • Eva Johansson

    (Department of Early Childhood Education, University of Stavanger, Pb 8600, 4036 Stavanger, Norway)

  • Yngve Rosell

    (Department of Early Childhood Education, University of Stavanger, Pb 8600, 4036 Stavanger, Norway)

Abstract

The aim of this article is to explore the social dimension of sustainable development through children’s expressions of belonging in peer communities in preschool. Social sustainability and sustainable communities emphasize practices, human activity, and interactions that are equitable, inclusive, and sustainable, and preschool provides children with experiences of participation in collective groups and networks. Belonging to a community is an existential need and belonging, itself, is a relational phenomenon. Belonging is connected to power; the notion of “us” sets boundaries and creates a “them”. Based on Yuval-Davis’ analytical concepts and using video observation of children’s (aged 3–5) free play, this article explores children’s belonging in peer communities. This study contributes new knowledge in the field of social sustainability by illuminating communities of belonging built on closeness, conflict/negotiations, and joyfulness. Together, these elements embody experiences of importance to children’s belonging. A common thread running through these communities is the relationship between the individual and the community.

Suggested Citation

  • Eva Johansson & Yngve Rosell, 2021. "Social Sustainability through Children’s Expressions of Belonging in Peer Communities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-17, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:7:p:3839-:d:527360
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sidsel Boldermo & Elin Eriksen Ødegaard, 2019. "What about the Migrant Children? The State-Of-The-Art in Research Claiming Social Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-13, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Robert Lecusay & Anna Pauliina Rainio & Beth Ferholt, 2022. "Caring about and with Imaginary Characters: Early Childhood Playworlds as Sites for Social Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-17, May.
    2. Maria Grindheim & Liv Torunn Grindheim, 2021. "Dancing as Moments of Belonging: A Phenomenological Study Exploring Dancing as a Relevant Activity for Social and Cultural Sustainability in Early Childhood Education," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-17, July.
    3. Elina Weckström & Anna-Leena Lastikka & Sari Havu-Nuutinen, 2022. "Constructing a Socially Sustainable Culture of Participation for Caring and Inclusive ECEC," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-20, March.
    4. Magdalena Raivio & Ellinor Skaremyr & Arniika Kuusisto, 2022. "Caring for Worldviews in Early Childhood Education: Theoretical and Analytical Tool for Socially Sustainable Communities of Care," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-16, March.

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