Well-being in Belgium: Beyond Happiness and Income

A good life is more than just wealth or material possessions. Well-being encompasses non-material aspects like health, family, environment, job quality, and meaningful time. This book argues that happiness and life satisfaction are not sufficient measures of well-being and proposes an alternative method that considers individual perspectives and the unequal distribution of well-being within families. A survey shows that some Belgians suffer from cumulative deprivation in multiple dimensions, and the book identifies those who are worst off and proposes policy priorities to address their needs.

Format: Paperback
Length: 206 pages
Publication date: 11 October 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature B.V.

For most people, well-being goes beyond mere high income or material prosperity. Numerous non-material aspects, including health, family life, living environment, job quality, and the meaningful utilization of time, hold equal significance. Collectively, these factors shape the extent to which individuals derive satisfaction from their lives and contribute to their overall happiness.

This book contends that happiness and life satisfaction alone cannot serve as a comprehensive measure of well-being. Instead, it proposes an alternative approach that encompasses a holistic evaluation of various aspects of well-being, while also acknowledging that individuals have their unique perspectives on what truly matters in life.

While this book is rooted in theory, it is complemented by a substantial and representative survey conducted involving over 3000 adults from over 2000 Belgian families. The survey aimed to chart the diverse dimensions of individual well-being among Belgians. By focusing on the unequal distribution of these various aspects within families, the survey revealed that certain Belgians are more susceptible to experiencing cumulative deprivation across multiple dimensions.

Based on this groundbreaking study, the book identifies those individuals who are most disadvantaged in society, extending beyond those with low incomes or who may be experiencing unhappiness. It suggests that policymakers should prioritize these individuals in their efforts to enhance well-being and promote social justice.

Weight: 297g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030585112