The Happiness of the British Working Class

In nineteenth-century Britain, happiness was a complex emotion that could include social connections, personal growth, and a sense of fulfillment. The sources of happiness varied among working-class autobiographers due to factors such as geography, gender, politics, and social mobility. "The Happiness of the British Working Class" examines over 350 autobiographies to explore how working-class people defined and experienced happiness in their lives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 16 December 2022
Publisher: Stanford University Press

In the vibrant tapestry of nineteenth-century Britain, the pursuit of happiness for working-class life writers took on a multifaceted and intricate essence. It encompassed a rich tapestry of experiences, ranging from the sheer delight of hedonic pleasure to the fostering and deepening of social connections, the motivation for self-improvement, and the introspective journey of evaluating the quality of one's life. However, it is important to note that not all working-class autobiographers embraced the same concepts or assigned the same value to happiness. The diverse factors such as geography, gender, political affiliation, and social and economic mobility played a significant role in shaping their unique definitions and interpretations of emotional well-being.

To delve into the depths of this emotional landscape, The Happiness of the British Working Class employs a comprehensive analysis of over 350 autobiographies, meticulously collected from England, Scotland, and Ireland. Through the lens of these personal narratives, Jamie L. Bronstein embarks on a profound exploration of how working people conceptualized the good life, weaving together a rich tapestry of experiences. From the warmth and camaraderie of family and friends to the fulfilling rewards of meaningful work, from the awe-inspiring wonders of the natural world to the boundless possibilities of science and creativity, from the passionate engagement with political causes and religious beliefs to the resilience in the face of physical and economic challenges, the author uncovers the diverse sources of happiness that shaped the lives of British working people during the industrial era.

Drawing upon the rich tapestry of emotions history and the philosophical and social-scientific literature on happiness, this book offers a broad and insightful reflection on the industrial-era working-class experience. It sheds light on the complexities and contradictions that characterized this period, as individuals navigated the rapidly changing social and economic terrain while seeking solace and fulfillment in their emotional lives. The Happiness of the British Working Class serves as a valuable contribution to our understanding of nineteenth-century Britain, providing a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of the pursuit of happiness within the context of a rapidly evolving society.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781503633841