Experiences of Outstation Students in Bengaluru: Perceived Discrimination, Socio-Cultural Adaptation and Well-Being

Abstract

The aim of the research is to tap into the experiences of outstation students in Bengaluru with respect to perceived discrimination, sociocultural adaptation and well-being. The data was collected from 120 students belonging from different regions of India, categorized as- South India, Northeast India, Rest of India and Karnataka (outside of Bengaluru), 30 data from each category was gathered. The results show that there is a significant relationship between all the three variables- perceived discrimination, sociocultural adaptation and well-being and there is a significant difference in experience of sociocultural adaptation and well-being in all the regions, but none with respect to perceived discrimination. Language is seen to be one of the reasons for negative experiences and adaptation problems for most of the regions but for Northeast Indians physical features and origin/ancestry are prominent reasons. Some of the other factors hindering adaptation are traffic, infrastructure, pollution and food. Factors aiding adaptation are liveliness and diversity of the city, opportunities for growth.