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For social inclusion, it is necessary to have a sense of belonging to society, whether having a job or not. Experience of belonging means feeling a part of something beyond oneself. It can be a place, a moment, a situation or a group of people.

The authors study how unemployed people experience their place in a society; more specifically, the authors analyse which emotions and affects encourage (and discourage) the sense of belongingness among the unemployed. Emotions and affects were examined in 10 focus group interviews collected in Finland between 2016 and 2017. The data was analysed using qualitative content analysis.

The results demonstrate that sense of belonging is enhanced by affects such as being needed, being accepted and experiencing equal treatment. To achieve these affects, promotion of social contacts, participation and contribution to the common good are important.

Previous studies have mostly ignored the role of emotions and affects in the experience of unemployment. The findings emphasize the importance of emotions and affects in promoting and eroding the sense of belonging among unemployed people.