Joana Meurkens faced challenges as the new year began when her landlord raised the rent of her Brooklyn apartment, forcing her to temporarily live between her boyfriend’s and her parents’ homes. This decision was driven by the high costs of living in the area, where even basic necessities like eggs and subway rides have become expensive.
According to the World Happiness Report, which ranks countries based on the satisfaction level of their population, young adults like Joana are experiencing the lowest well-being among all age groups. This report, published yearly to coincide with the United Nations’ International Day of Happiness, shows that the United States has fallen to its lowest-ever position in terms of happiness, now ranked 24th. This decline in happiness among young people is linked to various factors including rising prices, political polarization, loneliness, and unemployment.
Joana’s experience of dissatisfaction reflects a broader trend among young Americans. Despite the challenges she faces, she finds solace in the strong sense of community that has emerged through the frequent demonstrations in New York. This shift from partying to protesting is seen as a positive sign of engagement with social issues.
Researcher Jan-Emmanuel De Neve from the Oxford University’s Wellbeing Research Center points out that communal living arrangements and sharing meals have a significant impact on well-being. The decrease in social connections not only affects individual happiness but also contributes to political polarization and changes in voting patterns.
De Neve’s findings highlight the importance of addressing social isolation and promoting communal activities as a strategy for improving well-being. He also notes that the relationship between happiness and societal conditions is complex, influenced by factors such as wealth redistribution, social trust, and access to basic necessities like health care.
The World Happiness Report offers insights into how policymakers can prioritize happiness by learning from countries that rank high in happiness, such as Finland, Denmark, and Costa Rica. These countries often emphasize sustainable growth and meaningful wealth redistribution as key components of societal well-being.
Finland, consistently ranked as the happiest country, offers an interesting contrast with individualistic societies like the United States. Despite its long, dark winters and high costs, Finland’s strong sense of community, trust, and effective social policies contribute to its high happiness rankings.
The report suggests that happiness is not solely linked to personal circumstances but also relies on broader societal factors, including economic policies, social connections, and the availability of a safety net. Joana’s story and the World Happiness Report collectively underscore the need for a holistic approach to creating happier societies.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/why-happiness-matters-for-democracy/a-71962896?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
