The scales used to measure these qualities cross-culturally, however, are not based simply on the display of positive emotions; statistics base them on “Denmark build a system over an overall sense 100 years ago, which allows citi- of well-being zens the ability to live a simple and community life with guaranteed security health. The Galand a sense of trust in the gov- lup World Poll ernment.� includes the following wellbeing categories: satisfaction with career, social relationships, financial stability, and community involvement: all of which are accounted for in Danish culture. While Americans seem to debate constantly topics such as assistance for those living in poverty and healthcare insurance, wasting valuable time and energy, Denmark built a system over 100 years ago, which allows citizens the ability to live a simple life with guaranteed security and a sense of trust in the government. Throughout their years in school, schools and parents encourage Danish children to try new things and to explore their personal strengths and talents. This type of schooling enables students to prosper in areas where they thrive, allowing them to seek out a career early on which matches their abilities and allows them to pursue work which provides them with personal meaning. In Denmark, 50 percent of employees in the work force are extremely satisfied with their job, and 45 percent are moderately satisfied; only a miniscule fraction of the population find
their jobs to bring little satisfaction in their lives. Low unemployment rates and high social security also play a role in making day-to-day life far more enjoyable. While this might come as a shock to some, to those who understand the way the Danish educational system works to prepare students for the workforce, it makes perfect sense. The power of social relationships in well-being is something that a society should not overlook in favor of stability and financial security, and the focus Danish values and governmental systems place on these relationships prove the importance of these social relationships. When we build connections with the people around us, we experience higher levels of well-being as well as stronger resilience in the face of adversity. After school programs exist for most school-age children in Denmark, offering a range of social and creative activities; citizens of Denmark consider social education just as important as academic education. My host sister, Line, described to me a high school situated on the outskirts of Copenhagen where there are no classrooms and no textbooks, but instead, large open spaces to facilitate group discussion and teamwork. Social health in Denmark is the direct result of governmental institutions that demonstrate an understanding of what makes these interactions so important in fostering a well-functioning society.
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