Creation of belonging and non-belonging in the temporal narratives of young people transitioning out of care in Denmark

Abstract

The article explores the role of belonging in the narratives of young people leaving out-of-home care, drawing theoretically on a relational framework in which belonging is formed through social relationships with both places and people. Based on two qualitative follow-up interview studies in Denmark, in line with earlier studies the analysis demonstrates that the young people narrate about fragile belonging. In three analytical sections addressing the themes of ‘Moving around’, ‘Building a home’ and ‘Creating an independent life’ three young people’s narratives show their struggle to create meaningful connections to both people and places on their way to adulthood. Shifts in social location, changes in places of residence and in personal relationships influence young care leavers’ experiences of belonging and challenge their creation of meaningful narratives about their individual pathways to adulthood. These findings reveal that their narratives of belonging are fragile and continually challenged by weak connections to places and social relationships with family and friends.

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