An article examined the relationship between social capital and happiness in Europe. Social capital was found to matter for happiness across the three dimensions considered. The main drivers of the effects of social capital on happiness appeared to be informal social interaction and general social, as well as institutional, trust. There were significant differences in how social capital interacted with happiness across different areas of Europe, with the connection being weakest in the Nordic countries.
Source: Andres Rodriguez-Pose and Viola von Berlepsch, 'Social capital and individual happiness in Europe', Journal of Happiness Studies, Volume 15 Number 2
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Apr
A new book examined informal education (explained as 'learning practices that emphasize dialogue and learning through everyday life'). Chapters covered the contributions of youth work, Scouting, Guiding, Care Farms, youth music programmes, and the use of online/information technologies.
Source: Sarah Mills and Peter Kraftl (eds), Informal Education, Childhood and Youth: Geographies, histories, practices, Palgrave Macmillan
Links: Summary
Date: 2014-Mar