Multiple languages of belonging in the metropolis

Discussions about belonging and national identity are part of a broader European debate concerned with a perceived homogeneous national identity. One concern is that many immigrants and ethnic minorities are not integrating into the receiving societies, which is thought to undermine a sense of belonging to the nation. In this paper, I question whether this fear is valid by exploring the relationship between the individual and society through the notion of ‘sense of belonging’ - to a community, to a polity and sense of belonging to the nation. Networks of solidarity and sense of belonging can be constructed around different identities including religion, ethnicity and locality, transcending national boundaries. What does this mean in terms of national identity? Do we have to have a shared sense of belonging to the nation to be responsible citizens? Firstly, I explore some of the theoretical debates about belonging to the nation, and secondly, by analysing immigrant narratives on belonging, I argue that ethnic minorities who do not have a sense of belonging to the nation, or who have a sense of belonging to more than one symbolic or material locality, can still have a sense of belonging and commitment to the common good.