Happiness, Social Cohesion and Income Inequalities in Britain and Japan

Abstract

One of the first studies in happiness studies that analyzes micro data collected in Europe, US and Japan with information on respondents’ attributes and their economic behavior, as well as in measuring inter-temporal happiness by principal factor analysis Adopts interdisciplinary approaches including economics, politics, sociology, and cultural policy Contains both theoretical and empirical analyses and includes policy implications This edited volume makes a contribution to the literature on happiness research by compiling studies based on cross-national research and from diverse academic disciplines. The book is distinctive in that it contains both theoretical and empirical analyses, investigating relationship between causes of happiness and economic behavior relating to employment, consumption, and saving. Most notably, it is one of the first studies in this subject area that analyzes micro data collected in Europe, US and Japan with information on respondents’ attributes and their economic behavior, as well as in measuring inter-temporal happiness by principal factor analysis. Research findings in this volume shed new light on public policies for a number of areas such as employment, family, social welfare, urban and regional planning, and culture. The book draws on a collaborative research project between five institutions of higher education in France, UK, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, and Japan that lasted for two years. Number of Illustrations and Tables 17 illus., 21 in colour Topics Cultural Economics Behavioral/Experimental Economics Health and Quality of Life