SOCIOLOGY

Internal Assessment - II

Homesickness in Students

Submitted By

Sanjana Singh (PRN: 22010323082)

Ananya Raj (PRN: 22010323092)

1st Year - BA LLB

Division B

Under the Guidance of

Dr. Geetanjali Atri
ABSTRACT
Homesickness is a common and sometimes disregarded condition that affects students,
particularly those making the move from their comfortable home environs to college or
university settings. The purpose of this abstract is to give a general overview of the social
elements of student homesickness. This study aims to provide insight on the experiences and
difficulties experienced by students in the context of their shifting social contexts by looking at
the social elements that lead to homesickness and its effects.
The project will use qualitative research techniques, such as surveys and interviews, to
investigate the social aspects of homesickness. The study tries to comprehend how homesickness
impacts students' academic performance, mental health, and general transition to college life by
concentrating on the social interactions, connections, and support systems that shape students'
experiences.
To fully comprehend the underlying processes that underlie homesickness, the investigation will
make use of sociological ideas such as symbolic interactionism, socialization, and social
networks. In addition, the research will look at how structural elements like a student's distance
from home, cultural differences, and the presence of social support networks affect the severity
and length of homesickness.
The results of this study will have an impact on educational institutions, mental health
practitioners, and policymakers because they may guide the creation of focused treatments and
assistance programmes to lessen students' feelings of homesickness. Understanding the social
component of homesickness would enable a more comprehensive approach to comprehending
and resolving this problem, boosting student achievement academically and promoting student
well-being.
In conclusion, the goal of this research is to further sociological knowledge of students' feelings
of homesickness. It aims to offer insightful information on students' experiences during their
transitional time by examining the social processes and elements that affect homesickness,
emphasizing the value of social support, and promoting an inclusive and encouraging learning
environment.
INTRODUCTION
College students' homesickness refers to the grief, fear, and longing that some students feel when
they leave their homes to attend college. Many first-year college students who are living away
from home for the first time have this experience. Although homesickness can be difficult to deal
with, it is a common part of many students' college experience. Most students find that their
homesickness fades with time as they become more at ease in their new surroundings and form
new friends. Several prominent thinkers have contributed to our understanding of homesickness
in students from a sociological perspective.

The father of sociology, Emile Durkheim, emphasized the importance of social integration and
how it influences an individual's well-being. He contended that humans require a sense of
belonging and connection to their social groupings, which might be lost when they leave their
native environment. Durkheim argued that this disturbance might cause anomie, or a sense of
normlessness, which could contribute to emotions of homesickness. Emile Durkheim is well
known for his theory of social solidarity, which describes how people in society are linked
together by common values, beliefs, and standards. Durkheim's theory of homesickness indicates
that homesickness may be triggered by a sense of social detachment or alienation. When students
leave home for school, they may lose social bonds and relationships that they had in their
hometown. This absence of social support and connection might cause homesickness.

Max Weber was another sociologist who investigated the influence of social variables on people'
experiences. Weber was concerned that the shift from traditional to modern civilizations would
result in a disintegration of social bonds and a sense of dislocation. This sensation of dislocation
may lead to feelings of homesickness among students who move away from their homes and
communities to attend college. Max Weber is well known for his rationalization thesis, which
states how contemporary society is defined by the increasing use of rational and efficient ways of
attaining social goals. Weber's theory of homesickness indicates that the highly organized and
rationalized nature of contemporary organizations such as universities may add to students'
sentiments of homesickness. Academic life's tight routines and norms can make students feel
stuck in a cold and impersonal system, which can intensify feelings of homesickness.

Aside from these classic sociologists, contemporary theorists such as Anthony Giddens, a British
sociologist who has contributed to sociology, political science, and psychology, have emphasized
the significance of globalization and its impact on individuals' experiences. According to
Giddens, globalization has resulted in a sense of "disembedding" or disconnection from local
communities, which may lead to feelings of rootlessness and disorientation. Giddens' idea of
reflexivity is another theory that may be used to student homesickness. Individuals develop and
are impacted by social structures, which are patterns of behavior and interactions that exist
within society, according to this idea. This indicates that people form and replicate societal
norms and expectations by their behavior rather than being passive beneficiaries of them.
Giddens' idea of structuration is one of his most important contributions to sociology. Giddens'
theory of structuration says that homesickness in students is formed not just by personal feelings
but also by the social structures that surround them. Students, for example, may experience
homesickness as they adjust to a new social milieu with different norms and expectations than
they are accustomed to. The social structures of the institution, such as the guidelines that
regulate behavior by students and the interpersonal interactions on campus, may also have an
impact on homesickness.

In general, sociological theorists have offered insightful perspectives on the social aspects of
student homesickness. We may comprehend this phenomena better and create potent
countermeasures if we take into account their points of view.
LITERATURE REVIEW

University students frequently suffer homesickness, especially those who move away from home
to study in another city or country. In this review of the literature,
Homesickness and Adjustment in University Students by Edward A. Walton, MD, and
Christopher A. Thurber, Ph.D., look at the causes of homesickness in college students as well as
treatment options to help them acclimatize to campus life.

Homesickness, according to the authors, is a type of separation anxiety characterized by

melancholy, loneliness, and a desire to go back home. Academic achievement, emotional health,
and general adjustment to university life can all be significantly impacted by homesickness. The
distance between home and school is one of the characteristics the authors identify as
contributing to homesickness; students who attend school far from their hometowns are more
likely to feel homesickness. Students who have a history of anxiety or depression are more prone
to feel homesick due to pre-existing psychological problems. Lack of social support: Students are
more likely to suffer homesickness if their social support networks—at home or at school—are
weak. International students may suffer homesickness as a result of adapting to a new culture and
language during culture shock.

The authors suggest a number of methods to combat homesickness, such as educating pupils
before they leave home: Universities can provide students assistance and tools to help them be
ready for university life, including details about on-campus facilities, social events, and ways to
deal with homesickness. Through orientation programmes, student clubs, and social events,
universities can give students the chance to socialize and connect with others by offering social
support. Students might feel more connected to their roots by promoting communication with
family and friends and maintaining contact with those back home. Universities can assist
students handle homelessness and other emotional difficulties by offering counseling services and
other mental health resources.
Overall, the authors contend that while homesickness is a common and expected experience for
many university students, there are practical solutions that can help students adjust to university
life. Universities can help students feel more a part of their new community and succeed
academically by offering tools and assistance.

In the research conducted by Jie Sun, Linda Serra Hagedorn, and Yi (Leaf) Zhang in
Homesickness at College: Its Impact on Academic Performance and Retention they
investigated the effects of homesickness on college students' academic performance and retention
in their study.They discovered that homesickness raises the probability of dropping out of college
and is linked to poorer academic performance.

According to the authors, homesickness can impair students' cognitive and emotional
performance, causing them to have trouble focusing, lose motivation, and feel less competent.
Students who are homesick could also find it difficult to make friends, which could add to their
feelings of loneliness and detachment from their studies.

The authors also discovered that students from close-knit families or those who had little
exposure to other places prior to entering college are more likely to experience homesickness.
Strong links to their home areas may make it difficult for certain students to adapt to the
changing social and cultural standards of college life.

The authors suggest that colleges and universities give students tools and support to deal with
homesickness in order to address the effects of homesickness on academic performance and
retention. Peer support groups, orientation programmes, and counseling services can all be used
to assist students adjust to their new surroundings.

In general the literature analysis indicates that efforts to increase college students' academic
achievement and retention should take homesickness into account. Colleges and universities may
assist students in overcoming the difficulties of homesickness and thriving in their academic and
personal life by offering tailored assistance and resources.
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

For many students, particularly those who are away from home for the first time, feeling
homesick is a regular occurrence. It can be described as a depressive or nostalgic sensation for
one's house or loved ones, frequently accompanied by bodily symptoms including nausea,
headaches, and trouble sleeping.

Students' social integration, academic achievement, and general well-being can all be
significantly impacted by the homesickness issue. Students who are homesick may find it difficult
to focus in class, find it difficult to make friends and may feel lonely and isolated.

Further aggravating the issue, homesickness might result in elevated stress and anxiety levels.
Homesickness can develop into a chronic problem that harms a student's mental health and
ability to succeed in school if it is not treated.

Therefore, it is critical that educational institutions identify and deal with the homesickness issue
among students and offer support and resources to assist students in navigating this difficult
experience.
FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS
In this study, a questionnaire was circulated to students currently enrolled in a
University/College, who do not reside in their homes, for the purpose of collecting data. Every
effort was made to ensure that the participants were comfortable with the survey method. The
participants were explained about the study, and only once they gave their consent, was the
information provided by them used in the study. Following results were obtained from the
survey:

● Age

● How far is your College/University from your home

a) Same City
b) Different city but same country
c) Different country

● How often do you think about home?

a) Rarely
b) Occasionally
c) Often
d) Very often
● How would you describe your feelings when you think about home?
a) Neutral
b) Happy
c) Sad
d) Anxious

● How often do you communicate with your family and friends back home?
a) Rarely
b) Occasionally
c) Often
d) Very often

● Do you feel lonely or isolated from others at your current location?

a) Yes, often
b) Yes, sometimes
 c) No, rarely
d) No, never

● Have you experienced any physical symptoms of homesickness such as headaches,

fatigue, or difficulty sleeping?
a) Yes, often
b) Yes, sometimes
c) No, rarely
d) No, never

● Do you engage in any activities or hobbies to help you cope with homesickness?
a) Yes, regularly
b) Yes, occasionally
c) No, rarely
d) No, never
● Do you have a support network at your current location such as friends, classmates, or
faculty members?
a) Yes, a strong network
b) Yes, a moderate network
c) Yes, a weak network
d) No, I don't have a network

● Have you sought help or support for your homesickness?

a) Yes, from family and friends
b) Yes, from a counselor or therapist
c) Yes, from a student support service
d) No, I haven't sought any help

● Do you feel that your homesickness is affecting your academic performance or daily life?
a) Yes, significantly
b) Yes, somewhat
c) No, not really
d) No, not at all
● Overall, how much does homesickness affect your well-being?
a) A great deal
b) Somewhat
c) A little
d) Not at all
Students frequently suffer homesickness, especially those who have moved away from home to
attend college or university. The sadness or emotional discomfort that develops when someone is
cut off from their accustomed surroundings, social networks, and support systems is known as
homesickness. This might result in melancholy, loneliness, and nostalgic thoughts, which can
negatively affect a student's mental health and academic performance.

American sociologist Talcott Parsons created a number of hypotheses on how society functions
and the social processes that control it. In his writings, Parsons emphasised the significance of
socialisation and the significance of the family in forming a person's identity and values. Parsons'
ideas may be used to examine how the lack of familiar social networks and support systems
might result in emotions of confusion and distress in the setting of homesickness in students.
The family is emphasised as a key socialisation agency in Parsons' theory of socialisation.
Parsons contends that the family is fundamental in forming a person's identity and giving them a
sense of security and belonging. Students sometimes lose touch with the social networks and
support systems that have given them a sense of comfort and belonging when they leave their
families to attend college or university. In his writings, Parsons emphasised the significance of
socialisation and the significance of the family in forming a person's identity and values. Parsons'
ideas may be used to examine how the lack of familiar social networks and support systems
might result in emotions of confusion and distress in the setting of homesickness in students.

The family is emphasised as a key socialisation agency in Parsons' theory of socialisation.

Parsons contends that the family is fundamental in forming a person's identity and giving them a
sense of security and belonging. Students sometimes lose touch with the social networks and
support systems that have given them a sense of comfort and belonging when they leave their
families to attend college or university. Homelessness may result from these emotions of
bewilderment and despair.

Understanding student homesickness is also made possible by Parsons' theory of social systems.
Parsons contends that social structures are set up to accommodate people's fundamental wants
inside a society. These requirements include socialisation, which gives people a feeling of
identity and belonging, and support networks, which give them tools and aid when they
encounter obstacles or problems. Students' social networks may be disrupted when they move
away from home to attend college or university, which may make them feel homesick.

Through the sociological theories of C.W. Mills, homesickness can also be examined.
The "sociological imagination," according to C.W. Mills, is the capacity to recognise the
connection between individual experiences and more significant societal institutions. According
to Mills, personal problems are frequently based on societal problems and that people are molded
by the social and historical context in which they live.
Homesickness, according to Mills, is not only a psychological problem that affects one person;
rather, it is a reflection of larger societal institutions and cultural values. For instance, students
from particular socioeconomic origins, ethnic groupings, or geographic places may experience
homesickness more frequently than others.

Mills also emphasised the role that inequality and power play in determining how societies are
organised. Students from affluent families may have more access to resources and support
networks that assist them in adjusting to college life, which might be viewed in the context of
homesickness. People who are marginalised, however, might have trouble establishing a sense of
belonging. According to Mills, treating homesickness necessitates not only individual remedies
but also more significant societal and political changes that address inequality and power.

According to Merton's theory of strain, homesickness is a type of strain brought on by a gap

between a person's ideal position and their actual reality. The pressure comes from the fact that
students' hopes and goals do not match their present circumstances, and they are unable to
accomplish these goals since they are far away from home, both physically and emotionally.

According to Merton's theory, the stress brought on by this divergence between ideals and reality
might result in abnormal behaviour. Homesickness may take many various forms, including
despair, anxiety, or a strong longing to go back home. Merton also put up the idea of "anomie,"
which is a situation in which there are no rules or social restraints. Students who are homesick
could feel cut off from their social support systems, which include family, friends, and the larger
community. Anomie, which can result from this detachment, can breed isolation and confusion.
Merton's strain theory also emphasises how crucial social structures are in influencing people's
behaviour. The social structure of the university or college setting can either intensify or lessen
the stress felt by students who are homesick. The presence of social support networks, the caliber
of connections with teachers and peers, and the amount of institutional assistance can all have an
impact on how homesickness affects students and their capacity to deal with it effectively.

In a nutshell Talcott Parsons' ideas of socialisation and social systems may be used to understand
homesickness in students. The lack of accustomed social networks and support systems can bring
feelings of disorientation and anguish, which might take the form of homesickness. Insights into
how homesickness may be handled and alleviated, allowing students to adapt more readily to
their new surroundings and achieve academic achievement, can be gained through understanding
the social structures that assist people in their everyday lives. Mills' sociological ideas, which
emphasise the significance of comprehending human experiences in their social and historical
context and the role of power and inequality in forming social structures, might be used to
enhance an examination of homesickness in students. Researchers and practitioners may create
more sophisticated and efficient methods for managing homesickness and enhancing student
wellbeing by adopting this viewpoint. Merton's strain theory, which emphasises the significance
of social structures, ambitions, and norms in influencing individual behaviour, may be used to
analyse homesickness in students. Institutions may create useful measures to assist students in
coping with this frequent sensation and enhance their well-being and academic performance by
studying the causes and effects of homesickness.
CONCLUSION

Homesickness is a frequent phenomena that many students experience, especially those who
have just moved to a new location for their education, according to theoretical and practical
knowledge. A sort of emotional suffering known as homelessness is characterised by emotions of
despair, loneliness, and a longing for one's own house, family, and comfortable surroundings.

Several factors, including cultural disparities, social isolation, academic stress, and a lack of
support networks, according to a survey on homesickness in students, contribute to this
phenomenon. It may be difficult for students to adjust to their new environment due to these
elements' potential to cause anxiety and a sense of detachment.

In a practical sense, universities and other educational institutions may assist students deal with
homesickness in a number of ways. This includes fostering social contact opportunities, forming
support groups, providing counselling services, and enticing students to participate in
extracurricular activities.

To summarize, homesickness is a complicated sensation that can be impacted by a number of

circumstances, even if the distance from college may have an impact. Sociological theories like
social support and attachment theories can aid in our understanding of how homesickness may be
impacted by a person's distance from a college. However, it's important to keep in mind that
everyone has different experiences with homesickness depending on their individual
circumstances and personalities. Overall, the questions raised shed light on the effects and
feelings of homesickness on different people. Sociological theories can offer guidance on how to
deal with and mitigate the symptoms of homesickness as well as explain the social and cultural
variables that impact them.

In conclusion, homesickness is a problem that many students experience, and it can have a
serious negative effect on both their mental health and academic performance. Despite the fact
that it is a common emotion, schools can address it and aid students in adjusting to their new
surroundings without incident.
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Giddens, A. (1984). The constitution of society: Outline of the theory of structuration. University of
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