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The First Conference on the Economics of Happiness

Author

Listed:
  • Oswald, Andrew

    (University of Warwick)

Abstract

In this short article I try to provide a description of the first conference on the economics of happiness. It was held in 1993 at the London School of Economics. In the ensuing three decades, a huge literature has emerged in this field. I attempt to offer a view on why this has happened.

Suggested Citation

  • Oswald, Andrew, 2026. "The First Conference on the Economics of Happiness," The Warwick Economics Research Paper Series (TWERPS) 1613, University of Warwick, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:wrk:warwec:1613
    as

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    File URL: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/economics/research/workingpapers/2026/twerp_1613-oswald.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Blanchflower, David G. & Oswald, Andrew J., 2004. "Well-being over time in Britain and the USA," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 88(7-8), pages 1359-1386, July.
    2. Easterlin, Richard A., 1974. "Does Economic Growth Improve the Human Lot? Some Empirical Evidence," MPRA Paper 111773, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    3. Francesco Sarracino & Kelsey J. O’Connor, 2025. "Governments should prioritize well-being over economic growth," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 9(10), pages 2003-2005, October.
    4. Clark, Andrew E. & Oswald, Andrew J., 1996. "Satisfaction and comparison income," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 61(3), pages 359-381, September.
    5. Easterlin, Richard A., 1995. "Will raising the incomes of all increase the happiness of all?," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 27(1), pages 35-47, June.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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