The Economy of Happiness

Happiness

What Is Happiness?

Benjamin Radcliff Ph.D. on February 19, 2020

Researchers define happiness in multiple ways. The inconsistency can be maddening for scholars, but it might offer wisdom for everyone else.

Researchers define happiness in multiple ways. The inconsistency can be maddening for scholars, but it might offer wisdom for everyone else.

Gender

Gender Equality Improves Life for Everyone

Benjamin Radcliff Ph.D. on July 31, 2019

The happiest societies are those with the greatest gender equality. It's not an accident.

The happiest societies are those with the greatest gender equality. It's not an accident.

Trust

Does Diversity Make Us Unhappy?

Benjamin Radcliff Ph.D. on March 27, 2019

Social diversity, and thus immigration, is frequently argued to reduce our quality of life. New research tells a different story.

Social diversity, and thus immigration, is frequently argued to reduce our quality of life. New research tells a different story.

Happiness

Countries That Protect Workers Have Happier Citizens

Benjamin Radcliff Ph.D. on November 7, 2018

Research confirms common sense: Regulations designed to protect workers and their families produce greater happiness for all.

Research confirms common sense: Regulations designed to protect workers and their families produce greater happiness for all.

Health

The US Ranks Last in Health Care System Performance

Benjamin Radcliff Ph.D. on July 9, 2018

America's lack of universal health care means a less healthy, and a less happy, country.

America's lack of universal health care means a less healthy, and a less happy, country.

Happiness

Will the Republican Tax Plan Make Americans Happier?

Benjamin Radcliff Ph.D. on November 8, 2017

Research suggests that overall, people are happier when the rich pay more, and everyone pays their share.

Research suggests that overall, people are happier when the rich pay more, and everyone pays their share.

Health

Health and Happiness Are Connected Through Politics

Benjamin Radcliff Ph.D. on August 1, 2017

The debate over healthcare is also about how happy we are and how long we live.

The debate over healthcare is also about how happy we are and how long we live.

Happiness

Presidents and the Pursuit of Happiness

Benjamin Radcliff Ph.D. on April 3, 2017

Presidential systems are not good at promoting human happiness. A Trump Presidency doubly so.

Presidential systems are not good at promoting human happiness. A Trump Presidency doubly so.

Happiness

An Emperor without Clothes? Positive Psychology vs. Politics

Benjamin Radcliff Ph.D. on December 26, 2016

A new book examines the pitfalls of pursuing happiness the American way. Don't fall into the positive psychology trap.

A new book examines the pitfalls of pursuing happiness the American way. Don't fall into the positive psychology trap.

Happiness

Our Electoral System Is Bad for Happiness

Benjamin Radcliff Ph.D. on September 29, 2016

New research finds that the two-party system is not conducive to the "greatest happiness for the greatest number."

New research finds that the two-party system is not conducive to the "greatest happiness for the greatest number."

Happiness

What Would Democratic Socialism Mean for America?

Benjamin Radcliff Ph.D. on June 28, 2016

Empirical research consistently finds that European social democracy would create both a higher level
and a more equitable distribution of happiness than we presently enjoy.

Empirical research consistently finds that European social democracy would create both a higher level
and a more equitable distribution of happiness than we presently enjoy.

President Donald Trump

Would a Trump Presidency Make Us Happy?

Benjamin Radcliff Ph.D. on May 5, 2016

He has the nomination. What would a Trump Presidency really mean for the quality of life in the United States?

He has the nomination. What would a Trump Presidency really mean for the quality of life in the United States?

Happiness

Do Citizens or Politicians Make the Best Political Choices?

Benjamin Radcliff Ph.D. on February 4, 2016

New research suggests that ballot initiatives produce more happiness and equality than the "oligarchy" of representative institutions.

New research suggests that ballot initiatives produce more happiness and equality than the "oligarchy" of representative institutions.

Happiness

Do Progressive or Conservative Policies Promote Happiness?

Benjamin Radcliff Ph.D. on December 11, 2015

Academic research suggests that happiness increases as government's role in managing the economy increases.

Academic research suggests that happiness increases as government's role in managing the economy increases.

Suicide

An Epidemic of Hopelessness?

Benjamin Radcliff Ph.D. on November 12, 2015

Depression and suicide are on the rise, while life spans decline. Part of the reason is our politics.

Depression and suicide are on the rise, while life spans decline. Part of the reason is our politics.

Happiness

Why Is Denmark the Happiest Country in the World?

Benjamin Radcliff Ph.D. on November 8, 2015

Denmark's social democratic public policies and its labor market policies illustrate what the scholarly literature suggests are the most important determinants of human well-being.

Denmark's social democratic public policies and its labor market policies illustrate what the scholarly literature suggests are the most important determinants of human well-being.