Social wellbeing refers to the state or condition of an individual or a group's overall mental, emotional, and physical health in relation to their interactions with others and their sense of belonging and connectedness within a community or society. It encompasses the extent to which individuals feel supported, valued, and included within their social environment, as well as the quality and depth of their relationships and social connections.
Social wellbeing is often measured by the level of social integration, cohesion, and cooperation within a community, as well as the presence of social norms and structures that promote fairness, equality, and justice. It encompasses factors such as social support networks, accessibility to resources and services, participation in social activities and engagement in community life.
A high level of social wellbeing is often associated with positive mental health outcomes, enhanced resilience, and improved overall quality of life. Conversely, a lack of social wellbeing can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and exclusion, which may have detrimental effects on both the individual and the wider society.
Promoting social wellbeing involves fostering inclusive and supportive social environments, promoting positive social interactions, and addressing social inequalities and injustices. It requires ensuring that individuals have access to essential social resources such as education, healthcare, and social support networks. Ultimately, social wellbeing is a crucial aspect of overall wellbeing and is integral to building strong, healthy, and thriving communities.
The etymology of the word "social wellbeing" can be explored by examining the origins of its individual components.
1. Social: The word "social" comes from the Latin word "socius", which means "companion" or "ally". It evolved from the Latin adjective "socialis", meaning "relating to allies or companions". Over time, it started to encompass the concept of interaction and community involving people or groups.
2. Wellbeing: The word "wellbeing" originated from the combination of two Old English words: "wella" (meaning "good") and "bēon" (meaning "to be"). These words merged into "wella-bēon" or "welbēon", which eventually transformed into "wellbeing" as we know it today. It refers to the state of being comfortable, content, healthy, and overall satisfactory.