Loneliness is often seen as a personal issue but is deeply influenced by broader societal factors. This chapter critiques the “microfication” of loneliness studies, which focus predominantly on individual-level factors, and advocates for a focus on macro-level influences. Using Coleman’s boat model, we explore how societal structures, cultural values, and individual experiences of loneliness interact. The “loneliness paradox,” where loneliness is lower in individualistic societies like Northern Europe than in more collectivist societies such as Southern Europe, underscores the need to contextualize loneliness within cultural and structural conditions. We argue that welfare systems, resource distribution, and cultural norms play a significant role in shaping loneliness, challenging the narrative that individualization and digitalization are the primary drivers of social disconnection. This chapter calls for a shift toward viewing loneliness as a societal issue, requiring systemic explanations and interventions rather than focusing on individualistic solutions. It also addresses methodological gaps, proposing advancements like cross-national comparative designs, intersectional frameworks, and context-sensitive measures of loneliness. These innovations aim to uncover the complex dynamics between macro- and micro-level factors. By reframing loneliness through a macro lens, this chapter provides a foundation for both theoretical refinement and practical policy solutions to address loneliness as a structural phenomenon.