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Life, Liberty and The Pursuit of Happiness: A Jeffersonian Approach to Development Indicators

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  • Jon Rezek
  • Graham Cano
  • Brent Evans

Abstract

International comparisons of societal development are traditionally based, at least partially, on per capita GDP. This paper develops an alternative approach to evaluating human progress using criteria outside the traditional income-based metrics. We evaluate national achievement using Thomas Jefferson's inalienable rights – Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness – as the development indicator. The results suggest that the northwestern European countries and their offshoots are most successful. Former Spanish territories, including the Philippines and those in Latin America, also perform well according to this metric. Eastern European and economically prosperous East Asian nations perform poorly.

Suggested Citation

  • Jon Rezek & Graham Cano & Brent Evans, 2011. "Life, Liberty and The Pursuit of Happiness: A Jeffersonian Approach to Development Indicators," The American Economist, Sage Publications, vol. 56(2), pages 35-46, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:amerec:v:56:y:2011:i:2:p:35-46
    DOI: 10.1177/056943451105600206
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. M. L. Burstein, 1993. "Understanding Thomas Jefferson," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, number 978-1-349-13115-0, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Thomas Wai-Kee Yuen & Winnie Wan-Ling Chu, 2015. "Happiness in ASEAN member states," International Journal of Happiness and Development, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 2(1), pages 69-83.

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