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Happiness in Brazil

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Happiness Across Cultures

Part of the book series: Science Across Cultures: the History of Non-Western Science ((SACH,volume 6))

Abstract

This chapter examines the research on happiness in Brazil, emphasizing the centrality of the happiness concept in Brazilian culture. It is argued that happiness can be studied both as a felt experience and as a cultural symbol, and that these two conceptions of happiness may differ in their implications, particularly in the Brazilian context. After reviewing the literature on cultural foundations of happiness in Brazil, using music, literature, and cultural events as examples, the chapter examines the empirical literature on happiness as a felt emotion. Although Brazilians emphasize the importance of happiness and use happiness as a central cultural construct, studies of happiness tend to demonstrate lower levels of felt happiness when compared with neighboring countries. Implications of these differences and directions for future research are highlighted.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Insper Insitute for Education and Research, São Paulo, SP, 04546-042, Brazil

    Gazi Islam

  2. Grenoble École de Management, Grenoble, France

    Gazi Islam

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  1. Gazi Islam
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Correspondence to Gazi Islam .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Hampshire College, West Street 893, Amherst, 01002, Massachusetts, USA

    Helaine Selin

  2. , Counselling and Psychology, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, Wai Tsui Crescent 10, Hong Kong, 2570 7110, Hong Kong SAR

    Gareth Davey

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Islam, G. (2012). Happiness in Brazil. In: Selin, H., Davey, G. (eds) Happiness Across Cultures. Science Across Cultures: the History of Non-Western Science, vol 6. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-2700-7_16

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