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Three questions about happiness

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  • HELLIWELL, JOHN F.

Abstract

The paper by Frijters, Clark, Krekel and Layard makes a strong historical case for treating happiness as a primary measure of human welfare. They argue that it is now time to revamp the science of policy-making to re-establish this central tradition, building on recent progress in measuring and understanding subjective wellbeing. I agree with them. There are three key questions raised in or by their presentation that need further evidence. I shall try to address these in turn. The questions relate to how to measure happiness, how to measure and deal with inequality and how to take due account of the social context of wellbeing, including the need to achieve consistency between individual and societal happiness.

Suggested Citation

  • Helliwell, John F., 2020. "Three questions about happiness," Behavioural Public Policy, Cambridge University Press, vol. 4(2), pages 177-187, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:bpubpo:v:4:y:2020:i:2:p:177-187_4
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    Cited by:

    1. Dr. Umbreen Khizar & Dr. Dawood Nawaz & Mehak Haroon & Husni Mubarak, 2021. "Moderating Role of Social Connectedness on Forgiveness and Subjective Happiness Among Adults," iRASD Journal of Economics, International Research Alliance for Sustainable Development (iRASD), vol. 3(3), pages 240-250, December.
    2. Ümİt Acar & Abdullah Tİrgİl, 2023. "Public expenditures and life satisfaction: Evidence from Turkey," The Developing Economies, Institute of Developing Economies, vol. 61(1), pages 36-56, March.

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