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A Different Rationale for Redistribution: Pursuit of Happiness in the European Union

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  • John Cullis
  • John Hudson
  • Philip Jones

Abstract

This paper explores the importance of the determinants of happiness when assessing the case for international redistribution. It presents a different rationale for international redistribution with reference to the impact that absolute levels of income and relative levels of income exert on happiness. The case for redistribution is so strong that it exists even when citizens are envious of one another and malevolent toward one another. The importance of these two determinants of happiness is explored when assessing the case for redistribution between member states of the European Union. An analysis of the importance of these determinants in the European Union reveals that there is significant scope for further redistribution to increase happiness. An index of happiness is constructed and simulations are presented to shed insight into the role that governments might play in the pursuit of happiness.
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  • John Cullis & John Hudson & Philip Jones, 2011. "A Different Rationale for Redistribution: Pursuit of Happiness in the European Union," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 12(2), pages 323-341, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:12:y:2011:i:2:p:323-341
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-010-9190-1
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    1. Christian Bjørnskov, 2011. "A Different Rationale for Redistribution: A Comment," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 12(2), pages 343-347, April.
    2. Bruno Frey, 2011. "Tullock challenges: happiness, revolutions, and democracy," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 148(3), pages 269-281, September.
    3. C. Bjørnskov & I. Neamtu & N. Westergård-Nielsen, 2012. "GINI Country Report: Growing Inequalities and their Impacts in Denmark," GINI Country Reports denmark, AIAS, Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Labour Studies.
    4. David G. Blanchflower & Carol L. Graham, 2022. "The Mid-Life Dip in Well-Being: a Critique," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 161(1), pages 287-344, May.
    5. Marta Orviska & Anetta Caplanova & John Hudson, 2014. "The Impact of Democracy on Well-being," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 115(1), pages 493-508, January.

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