Subjective Well-Being and Indigenous Communities: An Insight from the Field

Sujit Kuiry¹, Tapas Singh Sardar¹ and Dr. Laxmiram Gope^2,

¹Research Scholar, Department of Education, Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University, Purulia, West Bengal, India

²Assistant Professor, Department of Education, Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University, Purulia, West Bengal, India

Cite this paper:
Sujit Kuiry, Tapas Singh Sardar and Dr. Laxmiram Gope. Subjective Well-Being and Indigenous Communities: An Insight from the Field. World Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities. 2026; 12(1):1-7. doi: 10.12691/wjssh-12-1-1

Abstract

: The word indigenous comes from the roots ‘Indigena, meaning within or inborn, associated with the particular land or situation. This knowledge varies from place to place, situation to situation and community to community. Generally, this knowledge is inherent in the indigenous tribe's practices, including family management, land rights, natural resource management, childcare, health, well-being and other aspects of daily life. . In tribal communities, practices are deeply intertwined with well-being and perceptions of it are subjective. Subjective well-being is a concept firmly rooted in individual experience within tribal communities; their ways of living promote it, whereas the Eurocentric worldview emphasizes objective well-being based on a uniform pattern of life and a narrower perspective, in contrast to tribal communities' subjective well-being. From this perspective, the researcher believes that indigenous knowledge systems comprise collective knowledge, abilities and customs that Indigenous people have created and transmitted over the centuries, collectively referred to as Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS). The culture, customs, and experiences of Indigenous peoples form the foundation of these systems, which are often intertwined with their spiritual beliefs and connections to the environment. Indigenous knowledge is the traditional wisdom, customs, and understanding cultivated over many generations by Indigenous communities, rooted in their environmental, spiritual, and cultural experiences. It encompasses a broad spectrum of knowledge, including governance, medicine, agriculture, storytelling, and craftsmanship. The above information is closely associated with the local ecosystems and way of life, and it is frequently passed down orally through various customs, practices, and observations. In this context, Indigenous knowledge is distinct, situation-specific and often intended to maintain the balance between nature and humans. From the above standpoint, subjective well-being is a form of social practice, and through these practices, indigenous communities mould the younger generation in line with their customs, culture, and social norms. From the Santhal worldview, Baha is not just a festival; it’s the celebration of newness and the customs and culture of the Santhal community, and through these practices, they cultivate subjective well-being. Fostering the development and well-being of a person or group in a thorough and balanced way, addressing multiple interrelated areas rather than focusing on just one, is known as holistic development. To ensure overall harmony and progress, it considers physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual, and even environmental factors. The term well-being describes a general state of contentment, comfort and health . It encompasses mental, emotional, social and even spiritual aspects in addition to physical health. Finding harmony and balance in various facets of life is the key to achieving well-being.

Keywords:
Subjective Well-Being Indigenous Communities Indigenous knowledge system holistic development well-being

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