Exploring the Role of Locality and Caste in Shaping Students’ Subjective Well-Being

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of locality and caste factors on subjective well-being. Here, indicators of Subjective Well-being (SWB) are Life Satisfaction (LS), Positive Affect (PA), and Negative Affect (NA). Data was collected on a sample of 250 students using life satisfaction scale and PANAS. Data was analysed utilizing independent samples t-tests and factorial ANOVA. Results indicated significant effects of locality and caste, along with their interaction, particularly on life satisfaction and negative affect. Caste alone was not a significant factor of experiencing pleasant emotion. However, the interaction between caste and locality was significant suggesting that caste differences in positive affect depend upon the locality. These findings underline the relevance of sociocultural factors in shaping individual psychological states.