Week 5: improving happiness is a task of the government - college Flashcards
What can you say about happiness and circumstances on a national level (2)
(1) People living in European countries with more generous welfare policies are happier
(2) People living in countries with respect for human rights/freedom, democtractic institutions and political stability tend to report higher well-being
What do people think about the government and their individual happiness (2)?
(1) People think impact of government on their happiness is low
(2) they estimate they contribute less than any other potential source
What are 2 objections against the involvement of government in the pursuit of happiness?
(1) It is private value not a public one, many associated things are more individual choices. It increases the risk of big government
(2) Hedonic adaptation; any attempt to improve happiness is useless
What can be said about the role of government in happiness (Oishi & Diener, 2014)
They can’t promote happiness directly, but can use happiness metrics to evaluate policies that, ultimately, contribute to a nations wellbeing
What is the Easterlin Paradox?
At one point in time (short-term), GDP and happiness are positively related however, in long-term the relationship is nil
What liberal policies are associated with happiness? (3)
(1) Generous unemployment benefits
(2) progressive taxation
(3) less income inequality
How should social indicators be used in policy making?
(1) Remember that economic sensible choices can have detrimental social consequences. Closing a local post office can make sense economically, however it hampers social cohesion resulting in lower well-being
How big is the influence of GDP on happiness on a national level?
About 14% of a nation’s happiness score
How can governments influence happiness of the nation by their own functioning? (2)
(1) Greater government intervention in economy means lower levels of poverty, inequality and unemployment
(2) these in turn contribute to higher levels of well-being
Does paying taxes make you happy? (4)
(1) Strong association between tax morale and happiness
(2) people who evade tax report lower happiness
(3) progressive income tax countries report higher levels of SWB
(4) Indirect taxes on goods and services are related to lower well-being where income and poverty are related to higher well-being
Is it about size or quality of the government?
(1) quality; good governments add to happiness but bad big-governments do not
Why is good governance a source of happiness? (3)
(1) Citizens are treated respectfully
(2) creates conditions that contribute to happiness
(3) individual freedom and stability
Why is Finland the happiest country in the world? (6)
(1) Low crime levels
(2) High standard of living
(3) fairest school system in Europa
(4) Universal free healthcare system
(5) Equal opportunity
(6) Income equality; very large middle class, little poverty and wealthy just above middle class
Did COVID affect global well-being?
(1) No overall change in positive affect or life satisfaction but small increase in worry
(2) Social trust increased
