Living on the Margins: A University Student’s Narratives of Social Isolation

Abstract

In an increasingly globalized world, universities have become more diverse, contributing to the challenge of students experiencing a sense of belonging. Students not acknowledged for who they are may feel rejected, isolated, and lonely. Furthermore, the struggle to fit in becomes even greater if students experience rejection and social exclusion before joining higher education. With limited social capital, minority students withdraw and become disengaged. This longitudinal study uses a narrative approach to explore the social isolation experiences of a white, Afrikaans-speaking male student on a diverse university campus in South Africa. Data were generated over four years using reflexive exercises and semi-structured interviews. Drawing on Erikson’s psychosocial theory and Tajfel and Turner's social identity theory, the participant’s experiences of social isolation were analyzed. The finding revealed continuous rejection leads to social isolation and a life on the margins.