Religion, Religious Climate, and Students’ Sense of Belonging in a South African University

Abstract Informed by a social constructionist approach, this study examines the relationship between religion, institutional religious climate, and students’ sense of belonging in a university in South Africa. Data were gathered and analysed from a sample of 2026 students who completed a survey that included an open-ended section. The results revealed that students’ perceptions of institutional religious climate are directly associated with their sense of belonging, supportive campus environment, and cross-cultural interaction. Also, while the religious beliefs of students are strengthened by their interaction with colleagues and staff from diverse cultures, they also develop a sense of belonging when they freely practice their religious beliefs in an institution that promotes religious diversity. The study concludes that a positive institutional religious climate could enhance students’ religious experiences, encourage religious freedom, and create students’ sense of belonging.