You should make it so that the convict doesn't WANT to belong, and continually rejects moments of belonging
And then like, gradually build up to him warming up to the concept of belonging, whilst portraying his psychological processes (in a sneaky way)
The climax can then be like, some guy/girl really likes him and wants to be with him (ie. belong) but then after a moment's hesitation, he rejects him/her. And then continue with the psychological analysis.. But that'll be craploads hard to write
My two cents