Sense of Belonging to the University Space in the Lifeworld of Female Dormitory Students; Implications for Educational Planners

Articles in Press

Document Type : research article

Authors

1 M.A. Student in Curriculum Studies, Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran

2 Associate Professor of Curriculum Studies, Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran

10.22080/eps.2026.31527.2410

Abstract

Aim: Sense of belonging to the university, as a social construct, plays a vital role in students' academic persistence and success; however, understanding this phenomenon within specific cultural and social contexts requires deep exploration. The present study aims to analyze the underlying reasons for the sense of belonging among female dormitory students toward the university environment.
Methodology: This qualitative research, using grounded theory (Charmaz), examined 16 female dormitory students at Kurdistan University through semi-structured interviews and analyzed the data with a three-stage coding process.
Results: The findings revealed that the sense of belonging for this group of students is formulated into three theoretical categories: 1) Sanctuary-like Spatiality, representing the use of the university as a space to escape patriarchal hegemony and resist the compulsion of marriage; 2) Re-creation of Feminine Identity, referring to autonomy in opposition to family surveillance and escaping the determinism of lower-class backgrounds; and 3) Redefinition of Home and Substitute Belonging, indicating a fear of the familial community and the formation of sisterly solidarity rooted in shared pain.
Conclusions and suggestions: The results demonstrate that the university can function as a site for resistance and the re-creation of suppressed identities. It is recommended that educational policymakers enhance such spaces to foster students' sense of belonging in a way that supports their personal and social development.
Innovation and originality: This study introduces the concept of "resistance-based belonging," which shows that students' sense of belonging is not necessarily a result of adapting to the university but can also be a resistant action against repressive structures and a safe haven within the university. This concept offers a new interpretation of social integration theory

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References

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Journal of Educational Planning Studies

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 06 September 2026

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  • Receive Date: 11 April 2026
  • Revise Date: 02 June 2026
  • Accept Date: 27 June 2026

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