Everyone wants to find happiness, but what does it actually mean to be happy? Is it spending time with our loved ones, being able to purchase the latest gadget on the market, or something more abstract, like having a sense of purpose or belonging? The class SOC332—Sociology of Happiness might hold a few clues.
Jessie K. Finch, chair of the Department of Sociology, said that even though there’s plenty of scientific research on happiness, not everyone hears about researchers’ key takeaways. While most believe that material possessions, strict gym routines and daily journaling will bring bliss, most scientific literature points to social connection as the ultimate key to happiness.
“Happiness is about family, friends and positive social connections, because humans are social beings,” Finch said. “That is why the primary lens in this class is sociological. For example, how do we build a life that emphasizes positive social interactions with other people over our false cultural messages about happiness—like consumerism, buy more, buy bigger, buy newer, and you will be happy?”
The class deconstructs the concept of happiness and looks at how, as a society, we have chosen to promote the benefits of material goods over the pros of social interaction, Finch explained that some of the research shows materials goods do not create lasting well-being, but if people spend money on social experiences, like going out with friends, going to concerts or traveling, they can build social connections that result in greater happiness.
“This class is unique because it blends sociology with mindfulness and personal reflection to explore happiness and the meaning from social, cultural and personal perspectives,” said Janine Schipper, professor of the Department of Sociology who teaches the class. “It challenges the dominant culture narratives about success, happiness and well-being while introducing practical tools for cultivating presence, emotional resilience and hope in uncertain times.”
This class is also unique because the research it covers can be immediately applied to the student’s life. If they read a study on meditation and how it can improve their positive perspective, they can do a three-minute meditation in class and then use this tool when they are overwhelmed by negative emotions in other settings.
“It teaches them about emotional regulation in a world that expects us to have it,” Finch said. “It teaches them how to deal with tough things that are happening around them and how to control their responses and create a situation where they can make choices that benefit them. It helps them reflect on what situations they get positive feelings out of, what situations give them negative feelings and how their choices affect them so that they can maximize their level of happiness and design a more fulfilling life.”
SOC332 is a general studies class that usually has between 40 and 50 students, which allows for wide-ranging discussions on overcoming challenges and building resilience. The class, offered every spring semester, also covers how to create spaces of care and support, how to find an optimistic, practical way to face global challenges and inspire change and how to confront depression and anxiety, which can often get in the way of finding happiness.
“I recommend this class for students who see themselves as lifelong learners and seek to engage with their education in thoughtful, meaningful ways,” Schipper said. “The class encourages a deep, lifelong inquiry into how we can make sense of our lives and navigate a rapidly changing world.”
For more information about this course, visit NAU’s course catalog.
Mariana Laas | NAU Communications
(928) 523-5050 | mariana.laas@nau.edu