Chapter 1 Flashcards
(34 cards)
True or false: John Mills definition of happiness is “Happiness is intended pleasure, and, the absence of pain”
True
This is true. John Stuart Mill, a key figure in utilitarian philosophy, defined happiness as “intended pleasure, and the absence of pain.” This definition reflects the core idea of utilitarianism, where actions are judged as right if they promote happiness and reduce suffering.
True or false:
According to Helliwell, there is no measurable difference in happiness between people in rich or poor countries.
False
According to John Helliwell and research from the World Happiness Report, there is a measurable difference in happiness between people in rich and poor countries. Generally, people in wealthier countries report higher life satisfaction, although other factors like social support, freedom, and trust also play significant roles.
True or false: The level of spending on public welfare has an impact upon people’s happiness.
Choose one option.
True
This is true. Research shows that the level of public welfare spending can have a positive impact on people’s happiness. Higher welfare spending often leads to better access to healthcare, education, social security, and other services, which can increase overall life satisfaction and well-being—especially in more egalitarian societies.
Giddens has focused on what he labels positive welfare by emphasizing the welfare state as an economic investment state, focusing on elements such as active health, autonomy, a strong
police force, defense spendings and well-being.
False
While Anthony Giddens has indeed focused on the concept of “positive welfare” and promoted the idea of the “social investment state”, his emphasis is on policies that promote individual autonomy, active health, education, and well-being—not on elements like a strong police force or defense spending.
His approach aims to equip individuals with the tools (like education and healthcare) to participate fully in society and the economy, rather than relying on traditional welfare support. So the inclusion of police and defense in that list is inaccurate, making the statement false.
True or false? According to Wilkinson and Pickett, higher equality leads to less crime and a higher
level of trust.
True
True or false?
Welfare may also be based on needs; for example, Allardt states: “the amount of welfare is defined by the degree of need-satisfaction” (Allardt, 1976, p. 228). He also points out that by focusing on needs, welfare may be seen to have two levels: one dealing with the living standard and the other with the quality of life,
true
True or false?
Williams states that “well in its still familiar sense and fare, primarily understood as a journey or
arrival but later also as a supply of food”.
Choose one option.
True
False
True
True or false?
According to Helliwell, there is a measurable difference in happiness between people in rich or
poor countries.
Choose one option.
False
True
True
According to John Helliwell and other researchers involved in the World Happiness Report, there is a measurable difference in happiness between people in rich and poor countries. While income isn’t the only factor, higher national income levels are generally associated with higher average life satisfaction.
True or false?
Allardt states: “the amount of welfare is defined by the degree of need-satisfaction.”
Choose one option.
True
False
True
Erik Allardt did state that “the amount of welfare is defined by the degree of need-satisfaction.” His welfare theory emphasizes three dimensions of well-being: Having, Loving, and Being, all of which relate to how well individual needs are satisfied.
Q: What is the general definition of welfare as described in the chapter?
A: Welfare is the highest possible access to economic resources, well-being, a guaranteed minimum income to avoid poverty, and capabilities for a good life
Q: What is public welfare primarily concerned with?
A: What the public sector finances and delivers in terms of income transfers and services.
Q: Why has interest in non-monetary welfare indicators increased?
A: To better understand life satisfaction and well-being beyond economic output.
Q: What does the term “welfare” historically derive from?
A: From “wel fare” – “well” (in its familiar sense) and “fare” (a journey or supply of food).
Q: How is the public sector defined in national accounts regarding welfare delivery?
A: If it delivers or finances at least 50% of the cost of welfare goods or services.
Q: What makes comparative welfare analysis difficult across countries?
A: Blurred sector boundaries and varying institutional arrangements.
Q: What is the difference between welfare for all vs. welfare for the poor?
A: It reflects policy approaches regarding who deserves welfare support.
Q: At the macro level, what does welfare relate to?
A: The overall wealth of a society and its impact on happiness.
Q: What disciplines contribute to the understanding of welfare?
A: Economics, sociology, philosophy, and political science.
Q: In economic theory, what concept is central to welfare?
A: Utility – individuals’ preferences and choices.
Q: How does sociology view welfare?
A: Through social inclusion, cohesion, and broader well-being.
Q: What does Giddens’ concept of “positive welfare” focus on?
A: Social investment in areas like health, autonomy, and education.
Q: What are Allardt’s three dimensions of welfare?
A: Having, loving, and being.
Q: What is the core idea of the capabilities approach by Amartya Sen?
A: Individuals should have real options and opportunities to choose from.
Q: How did John Stuart Mill define happiness in relation to welfare?
A: As pleasure and the absence of pain; connected to utilitarian morality.
