000			01553nam a2200205Ia 4500
999			_c176499 _d176499
005			20220114182649.0
008			200208s9999 xx 000 0 und d
020			_a9781107030848
082			_a302.13072 RAD
100			_a"Radcliff, Benjamin"
245		0	_aPolitical economy of human happiness: how voters' choices determine the quality of life
260			_aCambridge
260			_bCUP
260			_c2013
300			_a205p.
502			_aIncludes bibliographical references and index.
520			_aData, methods and theories of contemporary social science can be applied to resolve how political outcomes in democratic societies determine the quality of life that citizens experience. Radcliff seeks to provide an objective answer to the debate between left and right over what public policies best contribute to people leading positive and rewarding lives. Radcliff offers an empirical answer, relying on the same canons of reason and evidence required of any other issue amenable to study through social-scientific means. The analysis focuses on the consequences of three specific political issues: the welfare state and the general size of government, labor organization, and state efforts to protect workers and consumers through economic regulation. The results indicate that in each instance, the program of the Left best contributes to citizens leading more satisfying lives and, critically, that the benefits of greater happiness accrue to everyone in society, rich and poor alike.
650			_aSocial choice
942			_cB _2ddc