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The Hidden Wealth of Nations

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( 35 ratings, 5 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Hidden Wealth of Nations by David Halpern explores the paradox that while richer nations tend to be happier, economic growth itself does not necessarily increase happiness. The book reveals a form of 'hidden wealth' found in social cohesion β€” the degree to which citizens trust and support one another β€” which independently fosters both economic growth and well-being. This wealth manifests in everyday values, care for children and the elderly, and societal trust, yet faces challenges from rising fears about crime, immigration, and terrorism. Through international comparisons and fresh analysis, Halpern examines societal changes and proposes actionable ideas for policymakers and citizens alike.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for readers interested in politics, social policy, economics, and contemporary societal issues, including policymakers, academics, and socially engaged citizens seeking deeper understanding of the forces behind happiness and inequality.

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Richer nations are happier, yet economic growth doesn't increase happiness. This title explains this paradox. It explores what is happening in contemporary societies from value change to the changing role of governments, and offers suggestions about what policy makers and citizens can do about it.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Richer nations are happier, yet economic growth doesn't increase happiness. This paradox is explained by the Hidden Wealth of Nations β€” the extent to which citizens get along with others independently drives both economic growth and well-being.

Much of this hidden wealth is expressed in everyday ways, such as our common values, the way we look after our children and elderly, or whether we trust and help strangers. It is a hidden dimension of inequality, and helps to explain why governments have found it so hard to reduce gaps in society. There are also deep cracks in this hidden wealth, in the form of our rising fears of crime, immigration, and terror.

Using a rich variety of international comparisons and new analysis, the book explores what is happening in contemporary societies from value change to the changing role of governments, and offers suggestions about what policymakers and citizens can do about it.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The book has been praised for its innovative approach to welfare and social capital. The Financial Times highlights its fresh idea of care credits to transform welfare, while the Daily Telegraph lauds Halpern’s insights drawn from his experience in government strategy. Andrew Sparrow from the Guardian political blog finds it scintillating and comprehensive, covering broad public policy and wellbeing with well-informed analysis.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780745648026

Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 November 2009

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Polity Press

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 25.0mm

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 230.0mm

Weight: 508g

Pages: 280

About the Author

David Halpern, Institute for Government.

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