Economic growth can lead to a decrease in societal happiness
the verdict
CONTESTED
the evidence cuts both ways
confidence 38/100
Whether economic growth diminishes societal happiness remains a central debate, often examined through the Easterlin Paradox. Some research shows that economic expansion brings negative byproducts like pollution and inequality that stall happiness, while other studies find a clear positive link between rising incomes and subjective well-being.
Evidence for · 5
Gross National Happiness as an Answer to the Easterlin Paradox?
2005 · cited by 11
Identifies negative correlations between happiness and factors accompanying growth such as environmental degradation and work hours.
Evidence against · 3
Economic Growth and Subjective Well-Being: Reassessing the Easterlin Paradox
2008 · cited by 491
Reassesses datasets to find a clear positive link between GDP per capita growth and rising subjective well-being over time.
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More for · 4
Testing Conceptual Growth Theory: Economic Development, Subjective Social Well-Being, and the Limits of GDP Growth
2026 · cited by 0
Finds that short-term economic growth rates do not significantly predict increases in subjective social well-being or trust.
The Effects of Subjective Social Class on Subjective Well-Being and Mental Health: A Moderated Mediation Model.
2023 · cited by 0
Notes that rapid economic growth in China has not been accompanied by greater overall happiness for the population.
Happiness in the Air: How Does a Dirty Sky Affect Mental Health and Subjective Well-being?
2017 · cited by 0
Shows that negative byproducts of economic activity, such as air pollution, can decouple growth from subjective well-being.
The Easterlin paradox revisited.
2012 · cited by 0
Revisiting the Easterlin paradox highlights that well-being does not simply scale upward with economic expansion due to relative income effects.
More against · 2
Birth Cohort Changes in the Subjective Well-Being of Chinese College Students: A Cross-Temporal Meta-Analysis, 2002-2017.
2020 · cited by 0
Demonstrates that college students' well-being in a developing economy significantly increased alongside GDP per capita growth.
A Panel Data Analysis of Subjective Well-Being Based on Microblog User Information.
2022 · cited by 0
Finds a positive correlation and Granger causality running from economic development indicators to subjective well-being.