Why is the land so important to these people in The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck?

In "The Grapes of Wrath," the land represents not only a means of survival for the Joad family and other migrant workers but also a deep connection to their identity and heritage. The land symbolizes hope, stability, and the promise of a better future, as it is tied to their ability to cultivate crops and sustain their families. Additionally, the struggle for land highlights themes of injustice and the impact of economic forces on the individual, underscoring the characters' resilience and desire for dignity in the face of hardship.