Citizenship and Belonging: A Socio-Political Paradigm Shift.

In addition to present theories of citizenship which have evolved in the fields of political science, sociology, and anthropology this paper demonstrates the importance and current need for a theory of belonging. First, it examines how ideology, subject-position(s) and spatiality inform concepts of belonging in more nuanced fashions as they emerge within current discussions of citizenship. Second, it examines gender and sexuality as potential variables in defining and effecting notions of belonging. Finally, the paper concludes by stating that belonging is not considered a definitive theoretical paradigm when compared to concepts of citizenship; yet, in traditional societies, like the Pakhtuns, Africans, etc., belonging carries more meaning when compared to national citizenship status. Therefore, along with the flexible definitions of citizenship, it is imperative to develop a theoretical paradigm of belonging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]