Main components of the sociological study of happiness

The search for answers to the question of what happiness is and what is necessary for it began in ancient times, but there are still no unambiguous findings. Ancient philosophers proposed various concepts of happiness, linking it with virtue, absence of suffering or life in accordance with reason - today these ideas are still shared to some extent but considered insufficient for understanding and finding happiness. First surveys on happiness date back to the mid-20th century, when the concept of “subjective well-being” became a kind of “grassroot” analogue of a more ephemeral happiness, being a combination of life satisfaction with positive emotions. Gradually, a subject field of many sciences in the study of happiness developed, for instance, sociology focuses on social factors of happiness (support and trust), while economics - on the relationship between economic indicators and subjective well-being. Representative national and international studies of happiness are conducted by major sociological organizations worldwide. In Russia, such “measurements” aim at assessing the level of happiness in the context of general social well-being, including for a comparative international analysis, and at identifying factors influencing happiness and social well-being, including for public policy goals. In recent decades, the state has also shown concern about happiness, recognizing limitations of economic indicators alone and demonstrating a growing interest in less “quantitative” indicators of life quality. The article outlines the main components of sociological studies of happiness (search for its conceptual definition in an interdisciplinary context; features of its empirical interpretation and measurement; factors determining the level and “quality” of happiness) and some changes in their use and/or perception.