Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/185987 
Authors: 
Year of Publication: 
2011
Citation: 
[Journal:] Swiss Journal of Economics and Statistics [ISSN:] 2235-6282 [Volume:] 147 [Issue:] 4 [Publisher:] Springer [Place:] Heidelberg [Year:] 2011 [Pages:] 397-415
Publisher: 
Springer, Heidelberg
Abstract: 
Happiness research has significantly extended our knowledge about the factors determining individual well-being. Several prominent scholars concluded that governments should engage in maximizing happiness. This approach is based on a technocratic notion that politicians are omniscient benevolent dictators.In contrast, the constitutional approach considers individuals as citizens who, behind the veil of ignorance, choose political rules producing the best possible outcome. Citizens are aware of the Manipulation Principle stating that government tends to distort official happiness indicators in its favour. Citizens therefore demand extensive democratic participation rights allowing them to pursue the kind of happiness they desire.
Subjects: 
Happiness
well-being
economic policy
manipulation
political economy
JEL: 
A10
D70
H11
I31
Persistent Identifier of the first edition: 
Creative Commons License: 
cc-by Logo
Document Type: 
Article

Files in This Item:
File
Size
154.48 kB





Items in EconStor are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.