Cultural Identity and Social Integration: Exploration of Baloch Students at the University of Sargodha
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62843/jrsr/2026.v.ii.205Keywords:
Baloch Student, Cultural Identity, Social Integration, EthnomethodologyAbstract
Students' well-being and academic achievement greatly depend on social integration, which encompasses academic engagement, social relationships, and personal growth inside the educational institution. The Baloch students in University of Sargodha face cultural diversity. Exploring their cultural identity, which is strongly influenced by their ethnic origin, language, rituals, and traditions, presents a clear contrast to the largely Punjab culture at the University of Sargodha. The study examined how the Baloch students navigate and preserve their cultural authenticity and adjust to the prevailing culture of the educational environment. The study adopted a qualitative approach with an ethnomethodological research design, which focuses on how people make sense of their everyday social interactions and practices. The study used in-depth interviews to collect data from Baloch students at the University of Sargodha. The study utilized a purposive sample strategy to recruit participants. Analysis showed that the Baloch students have a strong sense of cultural identity and pride, which is deeply rooted in their heritage and history. They face challenges such as cultural discrimination, language barriers, stereotypes, and misconceptions, but they also find ways to overcome these challenges and foster understanding about their culture. Through socialization they can deal with their challenges because socialization is significant tool to enhance the cultural harmony.
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