The Concept of Home

For most people on this planet, home is where they live and the place that they love the most. For some, home may also mean a family and for others it is a community. But, for the most blessed individuals on this earth, their home is a place that is sentimentally more than just a building or even a location. It is a feeling and it’s the one thing that will stay with them no matter where they go in this world.

Merriam-Webster defines “home” as one’s place of residence or domicile and for some, this definition fits perfectly. However, there is a deeper sense of home that goes beyond just a house or apartment, it’s an intangible emotion, a feeling that you belong and that nobody else can take away from you. This is the home that we at Schlage spend a lot of time helping our customers achieve and it’s a feeling that you can carry with you no matter what life throws at you.

Scholars have approached the idea of home in a variety of ways and the definition is often debated. Some scholars like Macy Douglas focus on the role that home plays in a person’s identity and the way it is formed. Others, like sociologist Erin McElroy, use the concept of home to examine how social structures and policies influence the way that people experience their lives. Regardless of the approach, all scholars agree that the concept of home is complex and difficult to define.

Home is more than just a physical location; it’s an emotional attachment that ties you to a specific place and a part of your identity. It is a source of comfort, safety and support and it’s a place that most people on this planet strive to return to after a long day at work or school.

The sense of belonging and comfort that you get from your home can give you the motivation to succeed in life. If you feel secure and supported, your health will improve and you will be able to function better in society. This is why it’s so important to make sure that you have a safe and stable environment to return to at the end of each day.

Homes come in all shapes and sizes; they can be static such as a house or apartment, mobile such as a tent, trailer or yurt, or digital such as a virtual space. Whatever the definition of home is, it’s an integral part of all human societies and it helps to shape our identities. It is for this reason that it’s so hard to imagine a world without home. It’s a beautiful, cherished and invaluable aspect of our lives that we should all be grateful for.