This volume is the first collection in the field of wellbeing studies that places politics centre stage. Through a combination of intellectual inquiry, empirically-grounded research, and investigation across different settings, this book aims to provide fresh insights and develop new lenses through which to understand the rise and significance of the wellbeing agenda. Divided into three parts, it considers how to define wellbeing for public policy; the prospects for wellbeing as a force for political change; and the link between policy agendas and the everyday lives of people. The book explores the key political issues of power, democracy, and the legitimacy of wellbeing evidence in a range of settings – international, national and subnational/substate. The volume will appeal to wellbeing and politics scholars, as well as students and general readers with an interest in these new political agendas.

Government interest in wellbeing as an explicit goal of public policy has increased significantly in recent years, leading to new developments in measuring wellbeing and initiatives aimed specifically at enhancing wellbeing. This book provides the first theoretically informed account of the rise and significance of this agenda, drawing on the multiple streams approach, to consider whether wellbeing can be described as ‘an idea whose time has come’. It reflects on developments across the globe and provides a detailed comparative analysis of two political arenas: the UK and the EU.

Describes the principal findings of happiness researchers, assesses the strengths and weaknesses of such research, and looks at how governments could use results when formulating policies to improve the lives of citizens.

It has been over twenty years since the people of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland voted for devolution. Over that time, the devolved legislatures have established themselves and matured their approach to governance. At different times and for different reasons, each has put wellbeing at the heart of their approach – codifying their values and goals within wellbeing frameworks. This open access book explores, for the first time, why each set their goal as improving wellbeing and how they balance the core elements of societal wellbeing (economic, social and environmental outcomes). Do the frameworks represent a genuine attempt to think differently about how devolved government can plan and organise public services? And if so, what early indications are there of the impact is this having on people’s lives?

HEALTH POLITICS AND POLICY, 5th Edition walks you through the inner workings of health care policymaking, from the legislative process to socioeconomic impacts, and reveals both modern and historical perspectives in exciting detail. A collection of writings by some of today's sharpest political minds and policy-makers, the book explores factors that shape the U.S. health care system and policy, such as values, government, and private players, and compares them to other countries for international context. Helpful learning features throughout include review questions and problems, supporting tables and graphs, and special Consider This essays that bolster chapter concepts. In an environment of ever-changing policies and politics, the new edition seamlessly integrates themes of the past and present-day dilemmas with a look to the future of health care politics in America. Important Notice: Media content referenced within the product description or the product text may not be available in the ebook version.

Revealing flaws in both "green" and market-based approaches to environmental policy, O'Neill develops an Aristotelian account of well-being. He examines the implications for wider issues involving markets, civil society and politics in modern society.

The mythical 'demographic timebomb' can be defused through policies that reduce inequalities between and within generations.

Economists have long sought to maximise economic growth, believing this to be their best contribution to improving human welfare. That approach is not sustainable in the face of ongoing issues such as global climate change, environmental damage, rising inequality and enduring poverty. Alternatives must be found. This open access book addresses that challenge. It sets out a wellbeing economics framework that directly addresses fundamental issues affecting wellbeing outcomes. Drawing inspiration from the capabilities approach of Nobel Prize winner Amartya Sen, the book demonstrates how persons can enhance prosperity through their own actions and through collaboration with others. The book examines national public policy, but its analysis also focuses on choices made by individuals, households, families, civil society, local government and the global community. It therefore offers important insights for anyone concerned with improving personal wellbeing and community prosperity.

This volume studies what would happen if subjective wellbeing were to be the only policy metric that government cares about and whether policy priorities would fundamentally change.

This book, in its third edition, offers readers a comprehensive and analytical overview of the historic and contemporary involvement of government and politics in The development of health policy. Chapters are organized around four major areas. The first places health politics and policy within a historical, social, and economic perspective. Part two focuses on an exploration of the interface between health policy and the political structure. Part three covers the role of public opinion and health interest groups in the formulation of health policy. Part four explores the relationship of health policy and the political process in the areas of: health care finance, access to health care and health care reform as well as mental, disability, and environmental health.