Wellbeing Economics: The Capabilities Approach to Prosperity

Description

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. Front Matter ....Pages i-xvii From Economic Growth to Wellbeing Economics (Paul Dalziel, Caroline Saunders, Joe Saunders)....Pages 1-21 Persons and Human Capital (Paul Dalziel, Caroline Saunders, Joe Saunders)....Pages 23-43 Households, Families and Cultural Capital (Paul Dalziel, Caroline Saunders, Joe Saunders)....Pages 45-65 Civil Society and Social Capital (Paul Dalziel, Caroline Saunders, Joe Saunders)....Pages 67-87 Market Participation and Economic Capital (Paul Dalziel, Caroline Saunders, Joe Saunders)....Pages 89-108 Local Government and Natural Capital (Paul Dalziel, Caroline Saunders, Joe Saunders)....Pages 109-127 The Nation State and Knowledge Capital (Paul Dalziel, Caroline Saunders, Joe Saunders)....Pages 129-147 The Global Community and Diplomatic Capital (Paul Dalziel, Caroline Saunders, Joe Saunders)....Pages 149-168 The Wellbeing Economics Framework (Paul Dalziel, Caroline Saunders, Joe Saunders)....Pages 169-189 Back Matter ....Pages 191-196