Understanding Welfare in Sociological Science: Vectors of Development

The article provides a generalization and identification of vectors of development of the understanding of well-being in sociological science. The first – “property – income” – emphasizes how the ownership of material resources and financial inflows influence the overall state of individual and societal well-being. The second – “material – non-material” – considers both physical assets and non-material aspects: health, education, and social connections. The third vector – “objective – subjective” – highlights the distinctions between measurable indicators of well-being and individuals’ personal perceptions. The fourth vector – “wealth – living conditions of every person” – examines well-being not only as the accumulation of material wealth but also as the living condition of each individual. The fifth vector – “individual – societal” – focuses on how personal achievements and social factors interact. The sixth – “given at birth – social opportunities for acquisition” – demonstrates how initial conditions, such as social status and access to resources, influence individuals’ opportunities to attain well-being throughout their lives. The presented vectors are characterized in detail, noting the multifaceted nature of the concept of well-being and its influence on various aspects of social life.