Economics of Happiness

This book explores the factors that contribute to personal happiness, including economic and sociodemographic factors, psychological, cultural, and political dimensions, and the role of governments in promoting happiness. It based on extensive interdisciplinary research and will appeal to anyone interested in learning more about personal well-being and policymakers looking to improve happiness in societies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 08 March 2018
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate factors that contribute to human happiness, encompassing a wide range of economic, sociodemographic, psychological, cultural, and political dimensions. The author aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of subjective life satisfaction and well-being by exploring these various aspects.

In the first chapter, the author discusses the concept of happiness and its measurement, highlighting the challenges involved in capturing the subjective experience of well-being. They explore the use of economic and sociodemographic factors, such as income, education, and social status, as proxies for happiness, while also acknowledging the limitations of these measures. The chapter also examines the psychological, cultural, and political dimensions of personal happiness, including factors such as self-esteem, social support, cultural values, and political institutions.

The second chapter delves into the relationship between higher income and happiness. The author examines data from various countries to assess whether there is a correlation between income and subjective life satisfaction. They explore the role of economic inequality, social mobility, and other factors that may influence this relationship. The chapter also discusses the potential benefits and drawbacks of income growth, such as the increased stress and materialism that may accompany higher income levels.

The third chapter explores the happiness of people living in rich countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Scandinavian countries, compared to those living in other parts of the world. The author examines data from various international surveys and studies to assess whether there are cultural or societal factors that contribute to higher levels of happiness in these countries. They also discuss the potential impact of globalization, technology, and other factors on happiness.

The fourth chapter examines the impact of losing one's job on happiness. The author discusses the psychological and economic consequences of job loss and explores the factors that may influence the level of unhappiness experienced by individuals. They also examine the role of unemployment benefits, job training programs, and other policies aimed at mitigating the negative effects of job loss.

The fifth chapter explores the role of genetic endowments inherited from our parents in determining our happiness. The author discusses the latest research on the genetic basis of personality and behavior, including the influence of genes on happiness. They also examine the potential for genetic manipulation and enhancement of happiness through genetic engineering.

The sixth chapter examines the importance of physical and emotional health to subjective life satisfaction. The author discusses the relationship between health, happiness, and longevity, highlighting the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and the negative effects of poor health on well-being. They also examine the role of healthcare systems, public health policies, and other factors that may influence health outcomes and happiness.

The seventh chapter explores the relationship between age and happiness. The author examines data from various studies to assess whether older people tend to be happier than younger people. They explore the potential factors that contribute to this age-related happiness, including life experience, social support, and cognitive abilities. The chapter also discusses the challenges faced by older individuals, such as retirement, health problems, and social isolation.

The eighth chapter examines the role of close social relationships in happiness. The author discusses the benefits of social connections, including social support, intimacy, and companionship. They explore the factors that promote and sustain social relationships, including trust, communication, and shared experiences. The chapter also examines the negative effects of social isolation and loneliness on happiness.

The ninth chapter examines the role of political conditions, such as respect for human rights, democracy, and autonomy, in happiness. The author discusses the relationship between political stability, social justice, and economic prosperity and happiness. They also examine the potential impact of political corruption, authoritarianism, and other forms of political oppression on happiness.

The tenth chapter explores how governments can contribute to the populations happiness. The author discusses the role of government policies, programs, and initiatives in promoting well-being and happiness. They explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of government intervention in happiness, including the risk of over-regulation and the potential for unintended consequences.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the factors that contribute to human happiness. It offers valuable insights into the various dimensions of personal well-being beyond the happiness-prosperity connection, and it provides policymakers with guidance on how to improve happiness in societies

Does higher income increase happiness? Are people in rich countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom and Scandinavian countries, happier than those living elsewhere? Does losing ones job make one unhappy? What is the role of genetic endowments inherited from our parents? How important are physical and emotional health to subjective life satisfaction? Do older people tend to be happier,or younger people? Are close social relationships necessary for happiness? Do political conditions,such as respect for human rights, democracy and autonomy,play a part? How can governments contribute to the populations happiness?

This book answers these questions on the basis?

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate factors that contribute to human happiness, encompassing a wide range of economic, sociodemographic, psychological, cultural, and political dimensions. The author aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of subjective life satisfaction and well-being by exploring these various aspects.

In the first chapter, the author discusses the concept of happiness and its measurement, highlighting the challenges involved in capturing the subjective experience of well-being. They explore the use of economic and sociodemographic factors, such as income, education, and social status, as proxies for happiness, while also acknowledging the limitations of these measures. The chapter also examines the psychological, cultural, and political dimensions of personal happiness, including factors such as self-esteem, social support, cultural values, and political institutions.

The second chapter delves into the relationship between higher income and happiness. The author examines data from various countries to assess whether there is a correlation between income and subjective life satisfaction. They explore the role of economic inequality, social mobility, and other factors that may influence this relationship. The chapter also discusses the potential benefits and drawbacks of income growth, such as the increased stress and materialism that may accompany higher income levels.

The third chapter explores the happiness of people living in rich countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Scandinavian countries, compared to those living in other parts of the world. The author examines data from various international surveys and studies to assess whether there are cultural or societal factors that contribute to higher levels of happiness in these countries. They also discuss the potential impact of globalization, technology, and other factors on happiness.

The fourth chapter examines the impact of losing one's job on happiness. The author discusses the psychological and economic consequences of job loss and explores the factors that may influence the level of unhappiness experienced by individuals. They also examine the role of unemployment benefits, job training programs, and other policies aimed at mitigating the negative effects of job loss.

The fifth chapter explores the role of genetic endowments inherited from our parents in determining our happiness. The author discusses the latest research on the genetic basis of personality and behavior, including the influence of genes on happiness. They also examine the potential for genetic manipulation and enhancement of happiness through genetic engineering.

The sixth chapter examines the importance of physical and emotional health to subjective life satisfaction. The author discusses the relationship between health, happiness, and longevity, highlighting the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and the negative effects of poor health on well-being. They also examine the role of healthcare systems, public health policies, and other factors that may influence health outcomes and happiness.

The seventh chapter explores the relationship between age and happiness. The author examines data from various studies to assess whether older people tend to be happier than younger people. They explore the potential factors that contribute to this age-related happiness, including life experience, social support, and cognitive abilities. The chapter also discusses the challenges faced by older individuals, such as retirement, health problems, and social isolation.

The eighth chapter examines the role of close social relationships in happiness. The author discusses the benefits of social connections, including social support, intimacy, and companionship. They explore the factors that promote and sustain social relationships, including trust, communication, and shared experiences. The chapter also examines the negative effects of social isolation and loneliness on happiness.

The ninth chapter examines the role of political conditions, such as respect for human rights, democracy, and autonomy, in happiness. The author discusses the relationship between political stability, social justice, and economic prosperity and happiness. They also examine the potential impact of political corruption, authoritarianism, and other forms of political oppression on happiness.

The tenth chapter explores how governments can contribute to the populations happiness. The author discusses the role of government policies, programs, and initiatives in promoting well-being and happiness. They explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of government intervention in happiness, including the risk of over-regulation and the potential for unintended consequences.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the factors that contribute to human happiness. It offers valuable insights into the various dimensions of personal well-being beyond the happiness-prosperity connection, and it provides policymakers with guidance on how to improve happiness in societies.

Weight: 152g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783319758060
Edition number: 1st ed. 2018