Keeping Up With The Joneses Or Feeling Priced Out?: Exploring How Low-Income Students' Financial Position Shapes Sense Of Belonging

This qualitative study examines how 30 low-income students' sense of belonging is affected by financial constraints. Guided by Strayhorn's (2012) sense of belonging concept, 30 low-income participants discussed how their financial positioning shaped their belongingness experiences. Findings illustrated participants' financial position shaped sense of belonging in three ways: (a) keeping up with technology, (b) spending money builds relationships, and (c) possessing the right academic materials. We conclude the article with implications for practice and future research.