Economics of Happiness

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Chapter 1: Introduction
• Chapter 2: Happiness
  • 2.1 Terms and definitions
  • 2.2 Measuring well-being
  • 2.3 Issues with measuring well-being
  • 2.4 Determinants of subjective well-being
• Chapter 3: Beyond GDP
  • 3.1 Overview
  • 3.2 Flaws of GDP
  • 3.3 Defence of GDP as a measure of well-being
• Chapter 4: Easterlin Paradox revised
  • 4.1 Original Easterlin Paradox
  • 4.2 Hagerty and Veenhoven critique
  • 4.3 Stevenson and Wolfers critique

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This dissertation aims to explore and analyze scientific research in the economics of happiness, a field that has expanded significantly over the past four decades. The study examines the concepts behind happiness and subjective well-being, provides a deeper understanding of GDP as a measure of welfare, and analyzes the 'Easterlin Paradox' and its updates.

• The meaning and measurement of happiness and well-being
• The limitations of GDP as a measure of welfare
• The Easterlin Paradox and its implications for economic growth and happiness
• Determinants of subjective well-being
• Alternative measures of well-being

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the topic of the dissertation, outlining the purpose and scope of the study. Chapter 2 delves into the definition and measurement of happiness and subjective well-being, exploring various approaches and challenges. Chapter 3 examines the limitations of GDP as a measure of welfare, discussing its flaws and alternative indicators. Chapter 4 focuses on the Easterlin Paradox, analyzing its original formulation and subsequent critiques.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

Key terms and concepts explored in this dissertation include happiness, subjective well-being, GDP, Easterlin Paradox, welfare economics, determinants of happiness, and alternative measures of well-being.