Agency and Belonging: Southern Sudanese Former Refugees' Reflections on Life in Australia

The development of a sense of belonging is today seen as vital for a successful integration process as well as for social cohesion. However, notions of belonging and social cohesion are often discussed with regard to the dominant culture where the focus is on, in the case of Australia, 'Australian values', 'fitting in', and 'common identity'. Social cohesion is, in these contexts, based on a discussion of homogeneity rather than diversity and complexity. This article discusses the conceptualizations of integration and belonging with a group of Southern Sudanese former refugees in Australia. This discussion illustrates the complexities behind integration processes, as well as providing an insight into how belonging is entwined with agency and participation in the Australian society. I argue that the development of a sense of belonging is not achievable without focusing on and recognising people's agency in the integration process.