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Can Government Increase My Happiness: Nordic Countries

In: An Economist’s Lessons on Happiness

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  • Richard A. Easterlin

Abstract

The evidence suggests that under capitalism, it’s possible for the government to increase people’s happiness with appropriate employment and safety net policies. The Nordic countries are the classic example, the first to embark on social safety net policies in the late nineteenth century and the world leaders in happiness today. Their economic and social policies embrace a cradle-to-grave spectrum that provides assurance of jobs and addresses people’s foremost family and health concerns. These policies can be implemented at relatively low levels of income, as evidenced by Costa Rica, which introduced welfare state policies in the 1950s. Today, Costa Rica is happier than the United States, although its per capita GDP is only one-fourth as great.

Suggested Citation

  • Richard A. Easterlin, 2021. "Can Government Increase My Happiness: Nordic Countries," Springer Books, in: An Economist’s Lessons on Happiness, chapter 8, pages 71-79, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-030-61962-6_8
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-61962-6_8
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