The politics of Happiness by Derek Bok is a very fascinating book that aims to teach us how to apply what psychology says or teaches us about how the political system functions and happiness is attained. A good society can primarily be attained once we attempt to apply fundamental political psychology and a knowledge of how the system operates.
Happiness is a condition of subjective wellbeing, according to Ed Diener. Scientific methods have a challenging time measuring people's levels of happiness. A person can only choose to be joyful on their own. (McAllister, Ian). People differ in what makes them happy, so a person can only be happy in accordance with their mental condition. In a pursuit to discover what makes people happy, income has been one sector which has been studied intensively. It is because many people associate income with happiness. A lot of income relates to many material possessions which a lot of people derive from (McAllister, Ian). At any time in the United States of America, the level of happiness increases as the level of income increases. However, further studies also show that high income does not necessarily bring about happiness. In only rare occurrences, wealthier nations are generally happy than the poor countries.
Studies have shown that in the United States of America, over the past fifty years, happiness and income has very less influence over each other. As much as the individuals with high income are considered happy, their state over time does not depend on income (McAllister, Ian).
This might be because wealthy people derive state of happiness from their workers who are successful and make real money. The increased level of divorce and drug abuse can also be attributed to a person of high income not being happy.
A high percentage of college freshmen believe that making a lot of money is a very important goal. However, Bok argues that those students, who were happier joining the college as opposed to those who were not, tend to make a lot of money, precisely 30% more by the time they are 40 years of age (McAllister, Ian).
Lasting causes of happiness can include marriage. It was found that couples who are married tend to be happier than those who are single or not in a stable condition. Success in one’s career also can bring about happiness. Children also bring happiness as also good health. Demographic factors can also determine an individual’s level of happiness (McAllister, Ian).
A happy or a stable marriage determines a child’s level of happiness. A child in a healthy family tends to be happier, healthy and eventually become successful in life.
Bok also makes a very interesting observation between social relations and happiness. He states that individuals who are happy in life or who are generally happy tend to have more or like social interactions unlike those who are unhappy (McAllister, Ian).
Employment and happiness also have a relationship. A person who is happy tends to do a more proficient and efficient work (McAllister, Ian). Someone who is employed and doing what they love is usually happy in life.
Someone who is healthy usually translates to someone who is happy. Constant unhappiness in some cases can also lead to someone’s health deteriorating.
Religion also plays an important role in a person’s level of happiness. Most religious people usually derive hope and happiness from their respective religion even when things are not going well for them (McAllister, Ian). However, being religious does not mean an individual will always be happy.
The quality of government also is a factor in a citizen’s level of happiness. A government which provides quality service to its citizens ensures that citizens are provided with appropriate social amenities translating to a happier and more satisfied people.
Experience sampling is asking individuals how they are feeling at various times of the day, consistent with the finding of how are happy and satisfied with their lives.
Experience sampling majorly gives a direct feedback on the different levels of satisfaction on things one is doing on a normal day (McAllister, Ian).
Results on happiness studies I found most interesting is that in the last 50 years the USA, average levels of satisfaction in life has not raised amicably, even though real per capita income has grown extensively. I also found it interesting that most college students still have the notion that making more money will automatically lead to happiness.
Reference
1.McAllister, Ian. "The Politics Of Happiness. By DEREK BOK." Canadian Public Administration, vol 53, no. 4, 2010, pp. 604-605. Wiley-Blackwell, doi:10.1111/j.1754-7121.2010.00150.x.
