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Empirics on the Long Run Relationship Between Economic Growth and Happiness

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  • Edsel L. Beja

Abstract

The paper finds a statistically significant positive but very small long-run relationship between economic growth and happiness. Reading the evidence as such can mean a rejection of the Easterlin Paradox. The trivial size of the estimated relationship nonetheless indicates little economic significance, if at all. The paper, in turn, argues that using economic significance rather than statistical significance in the evaluation of the evidence can actually lead to a confirmation of the Easterlin Paradox.

Suggested Citation

  • Edsel L. Beja, 2015. "Empirics on the Long Run Relationship Between Economic Growth and Happiness," Forum for Social Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 44(1), pages 3-17, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:fosoec:v:44:y:2015:i:1:p:3-17
    DOI: 10.1080/07360932.2014.963637
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Easterlin, Richard A. & Angelescu McVey, Laura, 2009. "Happiness and Growth the World Over: Time Series Evidence on the Happiness-Income Paradox," IZA Discussion Papers 4060, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    2. Easterlin, Richard A., 2013. "Happiness and Economic Growth: The Evidence," IZA Discussion Papers 7187, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
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    Cited by:

    1. Kangmennaang, Joseph & Elliott, Susan J., 2018. "Towards an integrated framework for understanding the links between inequalities and wellbeing of places in low and middle income countries," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 213(C), pages 45-53.

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