Welfare and Well-being - Social Value in Public Policy (Hardcover)

Research on well-being reveals the significance of personal relationships, trust and participation to sustain quality of life, yet it is an economic model that remains the dominant basis for political and social institutions and policy. In this original book Bill Jordan presents a new analysis of well-being in terms of its social value, and outlines ways in which this could be incorporated into public policy decisions. Using new evidence on subjective well-being from psychological research and survey data, the author argues that it is culture, rather than contract and consumption, which is the key to better quality of life and true well-being. It will be an essential text for academics and students in social theory, social welfare, public policy and governance.