The book reviews the theory and concepts of happiness, explaining how these concepts underpin a line of research which is both an attempt to understand the determinants of happiness and a tool for understanding the effects of a host of phenomena on human well being. The research finds surprising consistency in the determinants of happiness across levels of development. Yet there is still much debate over the relationship between happiness and income. The book explores the effects of many mediating factors in that relationship, ranging from macroeconomic trends and democracy to inequality and crime. It also reviews what we know about happiness and health and how that relationship varies according to income levels and health status. It concludes by discussing the potential--and the potential pitfalls--of using happiness surveys to contribute to better public policy.

Features

First in-depth study of happiness which crosses many countries and regions, including developed and developing countries

Includes interviews in both Central Asia and Afghanistan which have never been published before

Includes new data for Latin America which allows us to use well being surveys to measure how different health conditions affect the health and life satisfaction of people in different countries and socioeconomic cohorts.

Includes new surveys of the effects of crime and corruption on well being in Latin America, demonstrating a strong role for different norms in mediating the well being costs of these phenomena.