Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores growing scholarly interest in the study of therapeutic cultures across the social sciences and humanities. It describes transformative effects which these discourses, practices, technologies, and institutions may bring to bear on contemporary societies, and on human experience of self, social relationships, and the human world. The book provides a global perspective on therapeutic cultures in terms of the subjects it covers and in terms of the scholarly voices it includes. It considers the growing influence of psychologically informed discourses and practices in everyday life and discusses what might be meant by the psychologisation of society. The book examines the rise of the happiness industry and new technologies of happiness, and considers their socio-cultural significance. It addresses the assumptions and implications of happiness and positive therapeutic culture extensively and from multiple angles.