It is only possible to imagine that policy makers intend the happiness index to be a tool for increasing happiness if a) one accepts Cameron et al are ignorant of the extensive sociological research indicating equal societies are happier societies and b) upon discovering this concept would actually convert to socialist politics to implement a more equal society.
From: Discussion list for the Crisis Forum [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jonathan Ward
Sent: 26 November 2010 11:51
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Radio 4 - economic growth
You even had Paddy Ashdown and Ken Clarke putting up a defence to the question time audience last night for the proposed happiness index, and suggesting that it's time policy had other indices for success and measurement outside of basic economic indicators.
Of course, they had to defend the government's position on this after accusations from the audience of profligacy at a time of austerity, but at least wellbeing and quality of life is coming further into mainstream political discourse.On 26 November 2010 10:56, A&M Meikle <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Hi all - Not sure if you caught In Business last night but it was really interesting to hear Transition Towns, NEF etc - questioning why growth is treated as the great answer to everything. You can listen again (not sure how long for) here - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00w228b. It's repeated Sun eve 9.30pm too.
cheers
Mandy
http://mandymeikle.wordpress.com/
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“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but rather the one most adaptable to change.”
Clarence Darrow - (frequently misattributed to Charles Darwin!)