Translating Idea into Reality? A Q-Methodological Investigation of Chinese Local Officials’ Response to the Initiative of a Happiness Index

This research attempts to provide insights into the extent to which the novel idea of happiness indices has been translated into reality, a topic that arguably remains under-explored in happiness studies. In particular, we focus on local reform participants’ response to the idea of using individuals’ happiness to guide the process of policy-making. Using the official effort to establish a happiness index in Guangdong as a unique case (a southern province in China), we investigated two interrelated questions: (1) to what extent do reform participants identify with the arguments legitimating happiness-inspired reforms? (2) How do they understand the values of the new measurement system? Q methodology was used to reveal local officials’ (N = 22) subjectivity towards a series of tenets and assumptions associated with happiness indices and the actual implementation of this particular idea in their departments. The results suggested two particular patterns within the viewpoints held by the informants: a realist perspective and a progressive optimist perspective. In spite of minor differences, the two perspectives shared much common ground: both recognized the normative values of happiness indices in general, but expressed a great deal of suspicion as to the validity of self-reported happiness. Moreover, they were either neutral or suspicious towards the positive statements about the actual implementation of happiness-inspired reform in the province and its substantive impact.