Perception of Subjective Well-being of the Lodha Tribe in West Bengal

Abstract

This article discusses the subjective perception of the well-being of the people of the Lodha tribe in West Bengal, India. Relying on the qualitative method of research, this study interviewed participants ( n = 53) from the Lodha tribal community of West Bengal in eastern India. Positive effect, happiness and domain satisfaction were the framework to capture the subjective perception of well-being. The study finds that there are four major themes emerged as the perception of subjective well-being: health, traditional knowledge, festivals and social connectedness. Further, this study conclusively suggests not only that policies should be incorporated that can improve the material benefit (housing, livelihood and biological health) but focus should also be made beyond it (promotion of mental health, indigenous knowledge and social connectedness).