Lost collective bonds and the phenomenon of rootlessness in the liquid age: New implications of belonging specific to young generations

The emergence of modernization has led to the decline of traditional structures, resulting in the diminished influence of shared values, beliefs, and symbols on individual identity. As collective structures crumble, distinctions have taken the place of the shared traits that define identity, putting a greater emphasis on fragmented identities rather than unified and stable ones. In the fluid age we are in, the singular identities that were once associated with collectivity in traditional societies have become more diverse and varied. It is crucial to comprehend the impact of losing a stable reference point for identity and disconnecting from collective groups on individuals' lives, sense of belonging, and spatial experiences. Contemporary society is currently experiencing a thorough and profound process of dissolution as a result of its rapid and transformative impact. Established collective structures are becoming less efficient, resulting in a rise in individual isolation. The sample for this study comprises individuals who have completely disconnected from their origins, specifically their family's place of origin, and face difficulty experiencing a sense of belonging in a constantly changing society. The study aims to empirically comprehend the relationship between a person's sense of belonging and their physical environment, as well as the potential factors that contribute to a sense of belonging, the void that a potential lack of rootedness creates, the factors that fill this void, and the effects of potential rootlessness and the desire for belonging on people. The study focuses on the Şişli and Kağıthane districts of Istanbul, which are chosen as they are believed to accurately represent the characteristics of a dynamic society that align with the target audience. The research employs a combination of qualitative methodology, grounded in the interpretative paradigm, to gain insight into social phenomena within their authentic context, and quantitative methodology to derive numerical data and make generalizations. The study results suggest that lacking a permanent reference point for identification and disconnecting from collective groups might lead to a sort of essential loneliness known as rootlessness. Individuals experiencing loneliness strive to create other connections to fill the void of belonging. While these alternate sources of belonging are not symbiotic, like fluid life, they momentarily satisfy the urge for belonging. In a dynamic existence where everything is impermanent, new forms of belonging that replace traditional common belongings are also transient and delicate.