"Consider the social constructionist perspective. How do we "build worlds" through communication? Think of some ideas we talk about in our culture that may not exist in other cultures. How do these concepts contribute to our happiness or success (or the lack of these) in our culture?"
The ever-elusive concept of the "American Dream" has been a driving force for individuals since the earliest days of this country. In a sense, one might even say this concept has played a rather large role in culturally shaping the desired-trajectory of one's life here in the United States. According to the American Dream, happiness is self-sufficiency, provision for your family, financial stability..."the self-made man".
Considering this, I believe the social communication of the American Dream within our culture has shaped what we deem happiness and success to be. When we see a homeless man, or a family that isn't financially thriving (perhaps struggling to pay the bills), we instantly judge their degree of success, and perhaps even happiness. By perpetuating the American Dream, we have socially constructed a world in which we can gauge success and happiness based on externalities like a nice house (or lack thereof), class, financial standing, etc.
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