SOC 239—Sociology of Happiness

What makes us happy? This course takes a sociological approach to explore the nature and meaning of happiness, and the interplay between individual and social happiness. Among the topics we will consider are different ways happiness has been measured by social scientists, the roles that families and friends play in happiness, and levels of happiness among different sociodemographic groups (gender, age, race/ethnicity, social class). We will also explore broader questions about how happiness differs among cultures and nations, and whether happiness should be a consideration in formulating public policies.