... And the Pursuit of Happiness: Wellbeing & the Role of Government

Providing a substantial challenge to those who wish governments to take into account measures of well-being when setting policy, this monograph analyzes the economic research that underlies politicians? growing preoccupation with measures of ?well-being.? Is it true that well-being does not increase as income increases? Is it true that more equal societies are happier societies? Can we really improve well-being through workplace legislation? Is it right to orientate government policy towards the single aim of increasing aggregate well-being across society as a whole? These questions and many more are addressed in this lucid and compelling analysis that uncovers how happiness research cannot be used to justify government intervention in the way its proponents suggest. It explains the difficulties in measuring society?s happiness, and serves as a warning to policymakers who claim that they can control and increase happiness through public policy decisions.