PERTANIKA
Journal of Quality of Life Studies
Full-Length Research Article
Fragmented Integration and Well-Being of Migrants: Societal Cohesion and Happiness among Pakistani Immigrants in Selangor, Malaysia
Faisal Iqbala
a
Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan
b
School of Business and Economics, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor
Abstract
Across immigrant groups, economic stability is a key contributor to well-being, alongside trust, belongingness, and societal recognition in the host country. Despite the increasing number of Pakistani immigrants in Malaysia, limited research has examined how societal cohesion shapes their subjective well-being based on lived experiences. Drawing on Berry’s (1997) acculturation framework, this qualitative study explores how Pakistani immigrants in Selangor experience societal cohesion and how these experiences influence their perceptions of happiness. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 participants, and the data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings reveal a pattern of fragmented integration, whereby participants were able to participate in economic activities and coexist peacefully with other groups, yet remained only partially embedded in local social networks. Belongingness was often conditional, influenced by language proficiency, which constrained deeper interactions with local communities. Participants also reported emotional strain due to separation from family members, while trust in neighbours was largely characterised by polite coexistence rather than close relationships. Happiness was therefore associated more with societal recognition, emotional security, and meaningful social connections than with material attainment. By introducing the concept of fragmented integration, this study extends the acculturation framework by distinguishing between structural participation and relational incorporation. The findings highlight the importance of societal cohesion in shaping subjective well-being and emphasise the need for more inclusive social environments in supporting migrants’ everyday lives. Overall, the study reinforces that migrants’ well-being is fundamentally shaped by relational experiences in daily life rather than solely by economic participation.
Keywords: Social cohesion; migrant well-being; fragmented integration; sense of belonging; Pakistani immigrants
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG): SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Cite As (APA)
Iqbal, F. (2026). Fragmented integration and well-being of migrants: Societal cohesion and happiness among Pakistani immigrants in Selangor, Malaysia. Pertanika Journal of Quality of Life Studies, 1(1), Article e004.
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