Place-belongingness in real-life contexts: A review of practical meanings, contributing factors, and evaluation methods

Place-belongingness is conceptualized as the subjective aspect of geographical belonging. Drawing upon a review of empirical studies spanning over a decade, we clarify this concept in real-life contexts, where people assign practical meanings to their place-belongingness. Thematic categorization of these practical meanings yields an extended definition of the concept. We also reclassify the factors contributing to place-belongingness and examine how it emerges in real-life scenarios. This review provides insights into methods for evaluating place-belongingness, emphasizing the need for a validated measurement tool for assessing the impact of interventions. Our findings highlight the promising role of information technologies in enhancing place-belongingness, although it is an unmapped terrain. The review suggests intensified attention to sustainability, the politicization of resources, and non-belonging within place-belongingness research. Moreover, we accentuate place-belongingness as a point of departure for unveiling the underlying inclusion/exclusion structures.