Analysis: We become part of an association and the association becomes part of our lives, at least for a time
Most of us seek community in associations, whether it be a sports club or a charity, a trade union, political party or religious association, a residents' association, youth group, band, choir or a drama club. We become part of an association and the association becomes part of our lives, at least for a time.
The right to freedom of association protects this instinct to join and form associations, along with other consequent freedoms. The Societās project at UCC explores the value and potential of freedom of association as a human right, examining how it is protected in courts around the world and investigating its connection to theories of group identity, cooperation, and empathy.
We also hold space for reflection on the human experience of associational involvement, with people who share their experiences with us, explaining in conversation or in writing why associations are valuable to them. From these conversations, three themes emerge.
It’s not just about the goal
Associations are usually defined by their purpose or goal (e.g., pursuing sport or politics or music, in particular ways) and people may initially join the associations for the sake of that goal, but the goal of the association does not equate to its enduring value for its members.
Something important was happening that was bigger than any of us
Often, the deeper value is a sense of belonging, a sense of being among people who are the same as me in ways that are important to me. Or the chance to make friends, to meet new people, or to develop new skills and capacities. Occasionally, the value is simply the feeling of being part of something that is bigger than myself.
As one of our contributors put it: "we were about sixty people working in a marque tent one summer, working together side by side packing food into parcels. … it felt like we belonged even though we were strangers, almost as if we were one unit even though we were so obviously different. Something important was happening that was bigger than any of us."
At the same time, associational involvement is not easy. We come together because we have one thing in common, and then we realise all the other things that we do not have in common. Tensions arise because of differences in values, ideas, personalities and varying levels of commitment. Disagreements develop about the true purpose of the association or how exactly it should pursue its goals. Misunderstandings result from the internal dynamics of the group – some people feel they are left to do all the work while the others feel that they are outside the clique.
Every story of associational involvement is different and so the legacy left in each person's life is unique
Sometimes, these disagreements will endure. Other times, it might be possible to overcome those challenges by having sophisticated and inclusive processes for dialogue and decision-making.
Associations can be more important in transition-moments
Associations can become especially important to us when we are in moments of transition in our lives. This might be as university students finding our own way in the world, or as newly retired people finding new purpose and community after leaving a professional career. Associations can be extremely valuable when we face illness, bereavement or addiction. And associations can be significant when we move to a new city or country, and want to find a point of connection.
As another contributor put it: "Watching other young people from a different culture interacting with each other 'in the wild’, it felt like I had a window into the soul of the country."
The legacy of involvement outlasts membership
Every story of associational involvement is different and so the legacy left in each person’s life is unique. Sometimes, it might be a lasting friendship. Other times, it might be that new opportunities arise because of the competence and connections nurtured within the association. Or again, the legacy might be character development, as when our involvement helps us to overcome shyness, to become more understanding of others, or when it creates in us a desire to give back to our community. Conversely, it might be that belonging to an association leaves a negative legacy in our lives, which we also need to articulate and understand.
As a society, we are getting better at knowing and naming the legacy that particular people leave in our lives. Associations, too, leave a legacy in our lives, and to some extent we become who we are in the gritty midst of them and more than we are because of them. Let’s get better at telling these stories.
The Societās project is funded by an Irish Research Council Laureate grant
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The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ
