%A H.J.K. Overmaat
%T Sense of belonging in Oudega: the role of the church
%L theses_frw4583
%X This thesis presents a research regarding the sense of belonging of residents of Oudega (municipality of Smallingerland) and the role that the church has in influencing this sense. The empirical research had a qualitative approach, being done by conducting in-depth interviews with residents of Oudega who consider themselves engaged with the local church. The results indicate a positive relationship between engagement in church life and sense of belonging of the individual. Respondents stated to feel connected to the church and its community and that the social aspect of church life has helped them feeling belonged with the town as a whole. However, the church is not the only possible factor to find belonging in Oudega, and if the respondents were not connected to the church anymore, that would not result in them losing their search for belonging, but they would rather seek other ways to be connected with the town.
%D 2024