eprintid: 4625
rev_number: 4
eprint_status: archive
userid: 1
dir: disk0/00/00/46/25
datestamp: 2024-07-19 07:21:57
lastmod: 2024-07-19 07:21:57
status_changed: 2024-07-19 07:21:57
type: thesis
metadata_visibility: show
sword_depositor: 1
creators_name: Arnold, Sanne Nouira
creators_id: S4502078
creators_email: sanne.nouria@gmail.com
title: Place belonging in rural areas during different stages of life: young adults, family formation, retirement age.
ispublished: unpub
full_text_status: public
abstract: The personal feeling and meaning of place belonging is something that interests researchers for a
long time. The connection to a place is something that is very personal and hard to grasp . In order
to add to the framework of understanding what kind of influences place belonging could have in
rural areas, this thesis is written. The aim is to explore the dynamics of place belonging in the living
environment of rural areas of the East of Groningen in the Netherlands. Motivated by the changing
population composition in rural areas, namely outmigration of young adults and ageing, the
importance of looking at place belonging within three life stages arises: young adults, family
formation and retirement age. In this research, the focus is put on the social aspect of place
belonging. The role of social capital, roots and participation in shaping place belonging across life
course stages is explored.
The research is based on secondary data from the STAYin(g) Rural project. Analysed using a mixed
methods approach, combining statistical analysis of a survey with qualitative analysis of
semi-structured interviews. The aim is to understand how individuals at different life stages
experience and connect with their environment, contributing to a good understanding of place
belonging to their living environment in rural areas in the East of Groningen. Findings highlight
differences between life stage groups. There seems to be a difference between life stage groups in
social networks, whereas young adults perceive it to be more important to have friends nearby,
elderly rate it more important to have family closeby. Time spent engaging, memories and
experiences increase the place belonging felt, and those at retirement age are most actively engaged.
Understanding place belonging can help in creating more place belonging in the future through e.g.
writing policies for rural communities that aim at developing more place belonging for the
residents. Creating more place belonging is interesting for rural areas because it can cause more
people to stay. In addition to staying or leaving, experiencing more place belonging contributes
largely to keeping the quality of life and healthy ageing high in rural areas.
date: 2024
pages: 36
thesis_type: bachelor
degree_programme: SGP
tutors_name: Haartsen, T.
tutors_organization: Fac. Ruimtelijke wetenschappen, Basiseenheid Culturele Geografie
tutors_email: T.Haartsen@rug.nl
security: public
keywords_local: Place belonging
keywords_local: Staying
keywords_local: Leaving
keywords_local: Quality of life
language_iso: en
date_issued: 2024-07-17
citation:   Arnold, Sanne Nouira  (2024) Place belonging in rural areas during different stages of life: young adults, family formation, retirement age.  Bachelor thesis.   
document_url: https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/4625/1/Thesis-final-final---Sanne-Arnold.pdf