UDTR Global Rights of Nature Radar

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

Identification

Public canonical key

doi:10.12691/wjssh-12-1-1

Authors

Sujit Kuiry · Tapas Singh Sardar · Laxmiram Gope

Reported year

2026

Reported language

en

Source type

article

First detected

2026-11-09T19:17:40.297368+00:00

Last metadata observation

2026-11-09T19:17:40.297368+00:00

Last HTTP verification

Not checked

Institutions reported by the source

Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University · Visva-Bharati University

Documentary abstract — original language

: 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.

Identifiers

OPENALEX

W7152500210

DOI

10.12691/wjssh-12-1-1

Documentary context

Documentary family

Scholarship

Source-reported types

article

Natural entities mentioned

Ecosystem

Entity mentions are not evidence of legal recognition. Jurisdiction studied is separate from author affiliation country.

Sources

OpenAlex · Record 1 · Record 2

• DOI · https://doi.org/10.12691/wjssh-12-1-1
• OpenAlex · https://openalex.org/W7152500210

Documentary status

Relevance pending

Library

This identity is not yet included in the Legal Library.