National happiness matters more than national wealth
19 Mar 2014 | Action for Happiness
In a week that includes both the UK Budget (19 March) and
the United Nations International Day of Happiness (20 March), a new
survey has found that the vast majority of people think levels of
happiness and wellbeing matter more than the size of the
economy.
In a YouGov poll commissioned by Action for
Happiness, a majority (87%) of UK adults were found to prefer the
'greatest overall happiness and wellbeing', rather than the
'greatest overall wealth' (8%), for the society they live in. This
majority was found to be broadly consistent across all regions, age
groups and social classes.
When asked to select the three changes they thought would
most increase the overall happiness and wellbeing of people in the
UK, 'more equality between rich and poor' came out as the most
selected factor, with 45% of people choosing this; the next highest
response was 'improved health services' (39%). Of the choices
offered, the least important were found to be 'improved school
standards' (16%) and 'improved transport and infrastructure'
(16%).
When asked to select the three most important factors for their
own happiness and wellbeing, 'my relationships with my
partner/family' was the most selected factor, with 80% of people
choosing this; the next highest was 'my health' (71%), with 'my
money and financial situation' a distant third (42%). The least
important factors were found to be 'my possessions' (4%) and 'my
appearance' (4%).
Commenting on results, Action for Happiness Director, Dr
Mark Williamson said:
"The economy dominates our political and social discussions, but
this survey shows that happiness is more important to people. The
vast majority of people would prefer society to be happier rather
than richer. So we need to spend less time focusing on the size of
the economy and more time focusing on how to help people live
happy, healthy and fulfilling lives."
LSE economist and co-founder of Action for Happiness,
Lord Richard Layard said:
"Our national priorities are clearly out of touch with what
really matters to people. Our top priority should be people's
overall happiness and wellbeing. Above all, we should be giving
much more attention to mental health, supporting positive family
and community relationships and creating a more trusting
society."
[ENDS]
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- Lord Richard Layard and Dr Mark Williamson are available for
interviews.
- For more information or to arrange an interview contact info@actionforhappiness.org
About the United Nations Day of Happiness (20
March)
In July 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted
a
resolution which recognised happiness as a
"fundamental human goal" and called for "a more inclusive,
equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes...
happiness and well-being of all peoples". In July 2012, the United
Nations General Assembly adopted a further
resolution which decreed that the International Day
of Happiness was to be observed every year on 20 March. The day was
celebrated for the first time in 2013.
dayofhappiness.net
About Action for Happiness
Action for Happiness is a movement of people and
organisations taking action to create a happier society. Launched
in April 2011, the movement has over 32,000 members in over 140
countries. It is backed by leading experts from psychology,
education, economics, business and social innovation. It provides
evidence-based ideas and materials to enable practical action to
create happier homes, workplaces and communities. The movement was
founded by Lord Richard Layard, Geoff Mulgan and Dr Anthony Seldon.
Its Director is Dr Mark Williamson.
actionforhappiness.org
SUMMARY OF RESULTS
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.
Total sample size was 2,391 UK adults (aged 18+). Fieldwork was
undertaken between 10th - 11th March 2014. The survey was carried
out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative
of all UK adults (aged 18+). The full list of answer choices is
shown below and the order of answer choices was randomised for each
respondent.
Q1. If you had to choose, which ONE of the following
would you MOST prefer for the society that you live
in?
Choice, Results (%)
The greatest overall happiness and wellbeing, 87%
The greatest overall wealth,
8%
Don't know, 6%
Q2. Which THREE, if any, of the following do you think
are MOST important for your own happiness and
wellbeing? (Please choose up to three answers)
Choice, Results (%)
My relationships with my partner/
family, 80%
My health, 71%
My money and financial situation,
42%
My friends and community, 35%
The place/ area where I live,
21%
My work, 15%
My religious/ spiritual life, 8%
My appearance, 4%
My possessions, 4%
Don't know, 2%
Other, 1%
Q3. Which THREE, if any, of the following changes do you
think would MOST increase the overall happiness and wellbeing of
people in the UK? (Please choose up to three
answers)
Choice, Results (%)
More equality between rich and poor, 45%
Improved health services,
39%
Less crime, 37%
More economic growth, 35%
Less immigration, 34%
Less consumerism, 24%
More help for disadvantaged people,
22%
Improved school standards,
16%
Improved transport and infrastructure,
16%
Not applicable - I don't think anything would increase the
overall happiness and wellbeing of people in the UK,
3%
Don't know, 3%
Other, 2%