The Loss of Happiness in Market Democracies - Brossura

Lane, Robert Edwards

Brossura

ISBN 10: 0300091060 ISBN 13: 9780300091069

Casa editrice: Yale Univ Pr, 2001

Riassunto

Despite the fact that citizens of advanced market democracies are satisfied with their material progress, many are haunted by a spirit of unhappiness. There is evidence of a rising tide of clinical depression in most advanced societies, and in the United States studies have documented a decline in the number of people who regard themselves as happy. Although our political and economic systems are based on the utilitarian philosophy of happiness—the greatest good for the greatest number—they seem to have contributed to our dissatisfaction with life. This book investigates why this is so.

Drawing on extensive research in such fields as quality of life, economics, politics, sociology, psychology, and biology, Robert E. Lane presents a challenging thesis. He shows that the main sources of well-being in advanced economies are friendships and a good family life and that, once one is beyond the poverty level, a larger income contributes almost nothing to happiness. In fact, as prosperity increases, there is a tragic erosion of family solidarity and community integration, and individuals become more and more distrustful of each other and their political institutions. Lane urges that we alter our priorities so that we increase our levels of companionship even at the risk of reducing our income.

Su questo libro

L'autore:

Robert E. Lane is Eugene Meyer Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Yale University. He is the author of many books, including, most recently, The Market Experience.

Product Description:

Book by Lane Professor Robert E

Su questa edizione

• Editore: Yale Univ Pr
• Data di pubblicazione: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0300091060
• ISBN 13: 9780300091069
• Rilegatura: Copertina flessibile
• Numero di pagine: 480