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on Economics of Happiness |
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Issue of 2011‒09‒05
three papers chosen by |
| By: | Andrew Sharpe; Alexander Murray; Benjamin Evans; Elspeth Hazell |
| Abstract: | This report presents estimates of the Levy Institute Measure of Economic Well-Being (LIMEW) for a representative sample of Canadian households in 1999 and 2005. The results indicate that there was only modest growth in the average Canadian household’s total command over economic resources in the six years between 1999 and 2005. Although inequality in economic well-being increased slightly over the 1999-2005 period, the LIMEW was more equally distributed across Canadian households than more common income measures (such as after-tax income) in both 1999 and 2005. The median household’s economic well-being was lower in Canada than in the United States in both years. |
| Keywords: | LIMEW, well-being, income, earnings, wealth, public consumption, government expenditure, household production, inequality |
| JEL: | D13 D31 D63 |
| Date: | 2011–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sls:resrep:1109&r=hap |
| By: | Thierry Pénard, University of Rennes 1 - CREM-CNRS, Marsouin; Nicolas Poussing, CEPS / INSTEAD, CREM-CNRS; Raphaël Suire, University of Rennes 1 - CREM-CNRS, Marsouin |
| Abstract: | As people are spending more time online, it is important to evaluate the impact of Internet use on individual well-being. Internet use yields direct utility and economic returns (e.g. better job, higher productivity) that may increase life satisfaction. But the Internet might also have detrimental effects (addiction, social isolation, e.g.). This paper empirically examines the relation between Internet use and subjective well-being. Using Luxemburgish data from a European social survey, we find evidence that non users are less satisfied in their life than Internet users. This result holds when we control for socio-demographic characteristics, social capital, values and beliefs, and health and income. Moreover, the positive influence of Internet use is stronger for low income and young individuals. These findings suggest that public policy aiming to reduce the digital divide are socially desirable |
| Keywords: | Internet, happiness, well-being, digital divide, social capital, social values |
| JEL: | A12 D12 D6 H4 L86 Z13 |
| Date: | 2011–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tut:cremwp:201106&r=hap |
| By: | Farber, Daniel A. |
| Abstract: | Environmental law focuses on regulating the production of energy and goods. Less attention has been given to reducing the environmental footprint of consumption. This Article brings together several strands of research, including psychological and economic research on subjective wellbeing; research on energy efficiency; writings by urban planners on sustainable communities; and recent work on individual behavior and sustainability. The conclusion, in a nutshell, is that changes in consumption of goods and energy, assisted by improvements in urban design and transportation infrastructure, can significantly reduce energy use and environmental harm. A variety of legal tools are available to promote these changes. Remarkably, many of the steps needed for sustainability can actually improve quality of life, adding to individual satisfaction. Thus, sustainability for society and the pursuit of individual happiness need not be at odds. |
| Keywords: | Administrative Law; Economics; Energy and Utilities Law; Environmental Law; Land Use Planning; Law and Economics; Natural Resources Law; Oil, Gas, and Mineral Law; Public Law and Legal Theory; Water Law, Environmental Law |
| Date: | 2011–08–30 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cdl:oplwec:2206014&r=hap |