Happiness Index

Question 1

Happiness Index

Answer 1

A measurement which evaluates a number of factors which are argued to be more important than economic growth.

Question 2

How to calculate the happiness index

Answer 2

The factors are then surveyed by citizens and given a value from 0 - 1. To work out the value you add all of the factors up together and divide it by however many are used to measure.

Question 3

Factors which influence the happiness index

Answer 3

Social welfare of family members.
Leisure and quality and quantity of it.
Disposable income
Quality of living e.g. pollution
Quality of consumption e.g. exercise facilities
Quality of work e.g. satisfaction rather than just income.

Question 4

Advantages of the happiness index

Answer 4

• Governments can use it to target spending and support schemes
• Better indicator than just economic growth
• Citizens reflect on how happy they are and whether they want to change anything in their lives

Question 5

Limitations

Answer 5

Other mental states and factors may not be considered

Difficult to measure happiness as a numerical value accurately.