Over the past few decades research documented that, in the long-term, increasing income has little or no effect on people’s satisfaction with their lives. On the contrary, other aspects, such as social relationships, seem to have durable effects on well-being. This evidence challenges the economic policy paradigm that emphasizes income as the main driver to better lives.
Which economic and social policies can enhance well-being? How do policies for well-being differ from traditional ones that target redistribution, growth, and the correction of market inefficiencies? Are there dimensions of well-being neglected by traditional policies?

Special sessions on Health and Happiness

This conference will pay particular attention to health issues. A considerable amount of research has been devoted to the impact of psycho-social factors such as happiness, social relationships and inequality on health and longevity. What implications does this have for health policies? Can policies aimed at increasing happiness, social capital or income equality, improve health and lower healthcare expenses? Are such policies a possible new frontier for preventive health care?

Topics of the conference

This is an interdisciplinary conference welcoming contributions from every field of social sciences including, but not limited to, economics, sociology, psychology and political sciences. We especially welcome papers on the following topics:

• Economic growth and well-being over time;
• The causes and consequences of subjective well-being;
• Policies for durable well-being;
• The role of inequality, social capital and sustainability for a happy growth;
• Economic consequences of promoting happiness;
• Wealth and happiness;
• Happiness and health care policies;
• The impact of happiness, social relationships and economic inequality on health and longevity;
• Immigration, health and happiness