BIBLIO is the largest independent book marketplace in the world, with over 100 million books.

Skip to content

The Politics of Happiness: What Government Can Learn from the New Research on
Stock photo: cover may vary

The Politics of Happiness: What Government Can Learn from the New Research on Well-Being Hardback - 2010

by Derek Bok

Add to wish list

Reader reviews for The Politics of Happiness: What Government Can Learn from the New Research on Well-Being

Write a review for this book

There are no reviews for this book yet. Be the first to write a review!

Your review will be anonymous unless you login or create an account first.

Overall rating
Remember: You’re rating the book as a work, not the seller or the condition of the specific copy you purchased!

Important Terms and Guidelines

  • Please focus on the book’s content and context. Also, add any personal comments as to how you enjoyed the book. Substantiate your likes and dislikes. You may make comparisons to other books.
  • Reviews must be at least 140 characters in length.
  • Please do not reveal critical plot elements.
  • This is not a help line. Contact customer support if you need help.
Your review must not include:
  • Obscenities, discriminatory language, or other insulting language not suitable for public domain
  • Advertisements, “spam” content, or references to other products, offers or websites.
  • Email addresses, URLs, phone numbers, physical addresses or other contact information.
  • Overly critical comments about other reviews or reviewers
  • Time-sensitive material (i.e. promotional tours, seminars, lectures, etc.)
  • Availability, price, or alternative ordering/shipping information

From the publisher

New insights into what makes people happy and how policymakers can foster greater satisfaction for all

During the past forty years, thousands of studies have been carried out on the subject of happiness. Some have explored the levels of happiness or dissatisfaction associated with typical daily activities, such as working, seeing friends, or doing household chores. Others have tried to determine the extent to which income, family, religion, and other factors are associated with the satisfaction people feel about their lives. The Gallup organization has begun conducting global surveys of happiness, and several countries are considering publishing periodic reports on the growth or decline of happiness among their people. One nation, tiny Bhutan, has actually made "Gross National Happiness" the central aim of its domestic policy. How might happiness research affect government policy in the United States--and beyond? In The Politics of Happiness, former Harvard president Derek Bok examines how governments could use the rapidly growing research data on what makes people happy--in a variety of policy areas to increase well-being and improve the quality of life for all their citizens.

Bok first describes the principal findings of happiness researchers. He considers how reliable the results appear to be and whether they deserve to be taken into account in devising government policies. Recognizing both the strengths and weaknesses of happiness research, Bok looks at the policy implications for economic growth, equality, retirement, unemployment, health care, mental health, family programs, education, and government quality, among other subjects. Timely and incisive, The Politics of Happiness sheds new light on what makes people happy and how government policy could foster greater satisfaction for all.

From the rear cover

"Bok provides a lucid analysis of scientific research on human happiness, and shows how it can and should be used to shape social policy. The breadth of his knowledge is matched only by the depth of his insight. There is not a word in this book to be missed."--Daniel Gilbert, author of Stumbling on Happiness

"Derek Bok asks the right question, 'What policies would produce the greatest happiness?' and he gives great and often startling answers, combining his deep knowledge of politics with the new findings of happiness research."--Richard Layard, author of Happiness: Lessons from a New Science

"Consistently fair-minded, pragmatic, and insightful, this is the single best book on its subject to date. Derek Bok confronts the findings of happiness research head-on and does not shy away from pursuing its implications."--Darrin M. McMahon, author of Happiness: A History

"This strong and timely book should have a major impact on how policymakers think."--Barry Schwartz, author of The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less

"Happiness research has principally focused on the factors affecting happiness, while policy implications remain an afterthought. There needs to be a more thoughtful and thorough consideration of these policy implications, and this excellent book is a significant contribution to the subject."--Richard Easterlin, University of Southern California

Details

  • Title The Politics of Happiness: What Government Can Learn from the New Research on Well-Being
  • Author Derek Bok
  • Binding Hardback
  • Edition First Edition
  • Pages 272
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey
  • Publication date 2010-02
  • Illustrated Yes
  • Features Bibliography, Dust Cover, Illustrated, Index, Table of Contents
  • ISBN 9780691144894 / 0691144893
  • Weight 1.1 lbs (0.50 kg)
  • Dimensions 9.48 x 6.58 x 0.9 in (24.08 x 16.71 x 2.29 cm)
  • Category Psychology
  • Library of Congress subjects Quality of life - United States, United States - Social policy - 1993-
  • Library of Congress Catalogue Number 2009030872
  • Dewey Decimal Code 306.097

Media reviews

Citations

  • Choice, 01/01/2011, Page 0
  • Christian Century, 01/11/2011, Page 22
  • Library Journal, 03/15/2010, Page 113
  • New York Review of Books, 12/23/2010, Page 46
  • New York Times Book Review, 02/21/2010, Page 16
  • New Yorker (The), 03/22/2010, Page 72
  • Publishers Weekly, 01/25/2010, Page 104

About the author

Derek Bok is the 300th Anniversary Research Professor at Harvard University. From 1971 to 1991, he served as Harvard's twenty-fifth president, and he served again as interim president from 2006 to 2007. He is the author of The State of the Nation and The Trouble with Government, and coauthor of The Shape of the River (Princeton).
Back to top↑

More Copies for Sale

Show all copies
The Politics of Happiness: What Government Can Learn from the New Research on Well-Being
Stock photo: cover may vary

The Politics of Happiness: What Government Can Learn from the New Research on Well-Being

by Bok, Derek

  • Used
  • Very good
  • Hardback
Condition
Very good
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780691144894 / 0691144893
Quantity available
1
Seller
Open Books
Item price
A$3.55
A$5.85 Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Princeton University Press, 2/21/2010 12:00:01 A. hardcover. Very Good. 1.0000 in x 9.3000 in x 6.4000 in.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$3.55
A$5.85 Delivery to USA
The Politics of Happiness: What Government Can Learn from the New Research on Well-Being
Stock photo: cover may vary

The Politics of Happiness: What Government Can Learn from the New Research on Well-Being

by Bok, Derek

  • Used
  • Very good
  • Hardback
Condition
Very good
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780691144894 / 0691144893
Quantity available
1
Seller
BOOKMONGER LTD
Item price
A$5.71
A$5.82 Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Princeton University Press, 2/21/2010 12:00:01 A. hardcover. Very Good. 1.0000 in x 9.3000 in x 6.4000 in. Crease on cover*
Add to wish list
Item price
A$5.71
A$5.82 Delivery to USA
The Politics of Happiness: What Government Can Learn from the New Research on Well-Being
Stock photo: cover may vary

The Politics of Happiness: What Government Can Learn from the New Research on Well-Being

by Bok, Derek

  • Used
  • Very good
Condition
Very good
Edition
Illustrated
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780691144894 / 0691144893
Quantity available
1
Seller
BooksRun
Item price
A$9.24
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Princeton University Press. Illustrated. Very Good. With dust jacket. It's a well-cared-for item that has seen limited use. The item may show minor signs of wear. All the text is legible, with all pages included. It may have slight markings and/or highlighting.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$9.24
Free Delivery to USA
The Politics of Happiness : What Government Can Learn from the New Research on Well-Being

The Politics of Happiness : What Government Can Learn from the New Research on Well-Being

by Derek Bok

  • Used
  • Very good
  • Hardback
Condition
Very good
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780691144894 / 0691144893
Quantity available
1
Seller
ThriftBooks
Biblio Top Seller
Item price
A$9.52
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Princeton University Press, 2010. Hardcover. Very Good. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$9.52
Free Delivery to USA
The Politics of Happiness : What Government Can Learn from the New Research on Well-Being
Stock photo: cover may vary

The Politics of Happiness : What Government Can Learn from the New Research on Well-Being

by Bok, Derek

  • Used
Condition
Used
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780691144894 / 0691144893
Quantity available
1
Seller
Better World Books Ltd
Biblio Top Seller
Item price
A$10.24
A$10.27 Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Princeton University Press. Used - Very Good. Former library copy. Pages intact with possible writing/highlighting. Binding strong with minor wear. Dust jackets/supplements may not be included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$10.24
A$10.27 Delivery to USA
The Politics of Happiness : What Government Can Learn from the New Research on Well-Being
Stock photo: cover may vary

The Politics of Happiness : What Government Can Learn from the New Research on Well-Being

by Bok, Derek

  • Used
Condition
Used
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780691144894 / 0691144893
Quantity available
1
Seller
Better World Books Ltd
Biblio Top Seller
Item price
A$10.24
A$10.27 Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Princeton University Press. Used - Very Good. Pages intact with possible writing/highlighting. Binding strong with minor wear. Dust jackets/supplements may not be included. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$10.24
A$10.27 Delivery to USA
The Politics of Happiness : What Government Can Learn from the New Research on Well-Being
Stock photo: cover may vary

The Politics of Happiness : What Government Can Learn from the New Research on Well-Being

by Bok, Derek

  • Used
Condition
Used
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780691144894 / 0691144893
Quantity available
1
Seller
Better World Books
Biblio Top Seller
Item price
A$11.12
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Princeton University Press. Used - Good. Former library copy. Pages intact with minimal writing/highlighting. The binding may be loose and creased. Dust jackets/supplements are not included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$11.12
Free Delivery to USA
The Politics of Happiness : What Government Can Learn from the New Research on Well-Being
Stock photo: cover may vary

The Politics of Happiness : What Government Can Learn from the New Research on Well-Being

by Bok, Derek

  • Used
Condition
Used
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780691144894 / 0691144893
Quantity available
1
Seller
Better World Books
Biblio Top Seller
Item price
A$11.12
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Princeton University Press. Used - Very Good. Former library copy. Pages intact with possible writing/highlighting. Binding strong with minor wear. Dust jackets/supplements may not be included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$11.12
Free Delivery to USA
The Politics of Happiness: What Government Can Learn from the New Research on Well-Being
Stock photo: cover may vary

The Politics of Happiness: What Government Can Learn from the New Research on Well-Being

by Bok, Derek

  • Used
  • Hardback
Condition
Used
Edition
Illustrated
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780691144894 / 0691144893
Quantity available
1
Seller
Ergodebooks
Item price
A$13.45
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Princeton University Press, 2010-02-21. Illustrated. hardcover. Used: Good. 6.58x0.90x9.48. Buy with confidence. Excellent Customer Service & Return policy.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$13.45
Free Delivery to USA
The Politics of Happiness: What Government Can Learn from the New Research on Well-Being
Stock photo: cover may vary

The Politics of Happiness: What Government Can Learn from the New Research on Well-Being

by Bok, Derek

  • Used
  • Hardback
  • first
Condition
Used
Edition
F First Edition
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780691144894 / 0691144893
Quantity available
1
Seller
Powell's Bookstores Chicago
Biblio Top Seller
Item price
A$13.94
A$7.32 Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Princeton University Press, 2010. F First Edition. Hardcover. Used-Very Good. Cloth, d.j. Some shelf-wear. Publisher's mark to top of textblock. Else clean copy.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$13.94
A$7.32 Delivery to USA
Show all copies
Back to top↑

Please wait a moment while we load the requested page.