Happiness, rather than being a private and subjective experience, is shaped, interpreted and articulated via culturally specific ways of thinking, being and acting. This highly original and timely book offers an empirical exploration of the ways in which being 'happy' is understood and articulated in contemporary society.

Laura Hyman is a Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Portsmouth, UK. She is also a co-convenor of the British Sociological Association's Happiness Study Group.