ERIC Number: EJ1411231
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0897-5264
EISSN: EISSN-1543-3382
A Critical Ecological Exploration of Peer Socialization Agents' Sense of Belonging
Lauren N. Irwin; Jaime S. Miller; Katie Morgan; Jodi Linley
Journal of College Student Development, v64 n5 p509-523 2023
Peer socialization agents (PSAs; e.g., resident assistants, orientation leaders) are trained to facilitate belonging through formal socialization initiatives. We used secondary qualitative data analysis, in combination with a critical constructivist approach, to explore PSAs' sense of belonging and the contexts in which they experience it through ecological systems theory. Findings demonstrated that PSAs rarely experienced a broad sense of belonging, contrary to prevailing wisdom that links involvement and belonging. PSAs are charged with fostering belonging for others while simultaneously navigating systems that undermine their feelings of belonging. Rather than experiencing widespread feelings of belonging, PSAs often experienced it only in specific microsystems that affirmed their identities and experiences, including student groups, organizations, or affinity spaces. Finally, we highlight implications for research and practice.
Descriptors: Resident Advisers, School Orientation, Leaders, Peer Relationship, Socialization, Group Membership, Interpersonal Relationship, Experience, Higher Education
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A