Living in the Era of an Ideological Climate of Globalisation: A Study of Psychological Sense of Community Among Young and Older Adults in Two Cultures (India and Norway). Challenges for Community Psychology and the Applied Social Sciences

Abstract

How do people describe the psychological sense of community (PSOC) in the present day ideological climate of globalising neo-liberalism, assuming that people are essentially individualistic, that solidarity, social commitment, and citizenship are not natural dispositions, as we all are the lonely citizen? This issue is addressed by a mixed-methods study using semi-structured interviews with two age groups—young and older people—from two different cultures—India (Mumbai) and Norway (Oslo). This two by two design gives the opportunity to analyse people’s meaning systems of PSOC, asking; is there a core meaning system of PSOC shared by people within as well as across cultures? Belongingness and citizenship are continuously formed and negotiated, just at the intersection of two dimensions: culture and historical time. The young and older adult informants often live in different “historical times.” The meaning systems of PSOC were explored and compared by language analyses of words used by the informants. Text search queries were made for 69 words. “Help,”, “care,” “different,” “problem,” and “family” were identified as central for further in-depth qualitative analyses. The word, “family” demonstrated high frequencies of use across sub-samples. There was nothing more relevant for the groups than the family when thinking of PSOC, revealing almost a “prior to society perspective.” PSOC is about being part of families. Simultaneously, we are members of other communities: schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, cities and nations. The informants mentioned such communities, but not often. Feeling part of the family, helping and caring not only the family but also your neighbourhood, local community, or national and global communities are particularly necessary today, as we live in a time where communities, societies, and nations across the world are heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this crisis, it is vital that nobody forgets that we are national and transnational citizens and part of many interrelated social systems. This study points out how community psychology and the applied social sciences can work to strengthen the feelings of connections to other communities, societies, and nations outlining and co-creating transformative multi-level interventions of public policy programmes of inclusion and “we-ness.”

In what ways do emerging adults with substance use problems experience their communities as influencing their personal recovery processes?

“…We all depend on social relationships for integration and, consequently, health, and well‐being. We all need to be accepted by, connected with and valued by others throughout our lives (Bahl et al, 2021b; Brewer, 2004; Cicognani et al, 2014; Fiske, 2018; Moore et al, 2018; Sarason, 1974). Thus, it is highly relevant within substance use treatment to learn about individuals' experiences with their social contexts and types of social bonding.…”

“…Over the past two decades, several studies have considered the importance of communities and PSOC for health and well‐being within specific age groups. These have focused primarily on adolescents and older adults (Bahl et al, 2021b; Chiessi et al, 2010; Li et al, 2014; Prati et al, 2021). The few PSOC studies of young people that have included those with substance use problems have primarily assessed students in the United States (Gordon et al, 2020; Henry & Slater, 2007; Mayberry et al, 2009) or young minority groups (e.g., Hispanic students and students of colour) (Lardier Jr et al, 2017, 2019a; 2019b).…”

“…PSOC refers to our meaning systems of being part of, connected to and supported by a community; it also encompasses the values of caring, compassionate relationships, communities, and social responsibility (Bahl et al, 2021b; Brodsky, 2009; Kloos et al, 2012; McMillan, 1996; Nowell & Boyd, 2010; Sarason, 1974). Today's most widely applied conceptualisation of PSOC is by McMillan and Chavis, whose point of departure is that positive PSOC consists of four conceptual dimensions (Chavis et al, 2008; McMillan & Chavis, 1986): (a) a feeling of belonging and identification with the community (membership); (b) integration and fulfilment of one's needs through the community's or members' resources, while simultaneously making one's own contributions to the community (fulfilment of needs); (c) a sense or feeling of having some influence on the community and experiencing an acceptable influence from the community (mutual influence); and (d) a sense that members of the community share, and will continue to share, a common history (shared emotional connection).…”

“…It is essential to recognise our need to belong, be connected to, and be part of social relationships and social contexts (Brewer, 2004). Across our lifespans, humans need to be accepted by, connected with, and be of value to others (Bahl et al, 2021b; Cicognani et al, 2014; Moore et al, 2018; Myers, 2004; Sarason, 1974). For treatment of problematic substance use, it is highly relevant to know more about individuals' social contexts and types of social bonding, as social relationships and social bonding can ultimately contribute to prevent and reduce misuse behaviours and promote recovery (Bathish et al, 2017; Ferrari et al, 2002; Kelly et al, 2014; Lardier Jr et al, 2017; Mayberry et al, 2009; Moore et al, 2018; Mudry et al, 2019; Stevens et al, 2010, 2012; Wenaas et al, 2021).…”

“…Emerging adulthood is a particularly vulnerable period of life, with changing social structures and relationships (e.g., family, residential community, school, and peers) (Arnett, 2000; Bahl et al, 2021b). Thus, during this life phase, central elements needed for recovery may be missing; namely, social integration and belonging to groups, communities, and society at large (Bathish et al, 2017; Jason et al, 2001; Kelly et al, 2014; Moore et al, 2018; Mudry et al, 2019; Stevens et al, 2012; Wenaas et al, 2021).…”