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The Worldwide Standard of Living since 1800

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  • Richard A. Easterlin

Abstract

By many measures a revolution in living conditions is sweeping the world. Most people today are better fed, clothed, and house than their predecessors two centuries ago. They are healthier, live longer, and are better educated. Women's lives are less centered on reproduction, and political democracy has gained a foothold. Current international differences in a number of standard of living indicators are significantly correlated. Historically, however, these improvements often started at quite different times, suggesting that the determinants of change in different aspects of the standard of living are varied.

Suggested Citation

  • Richard A. Easterlin, 2000. "The Worldwide Standard of Living since 1800," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 14(1), pages 7-26, Winter.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:jecper:v:14:y:2000:i:1:p:7-26
    Note: DOI: 10.1257/jep.14.1.7
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    File URL: http://www.aeaweb.org/articles.php?doi=10.1257/jep.14.1.7
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • N30 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - General, International, or Comparative

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