Development of Happiness in the Contemporary World

Development of Happiness in the Contemporary World challenges us to re-think how we measure success, showing that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is not enough to define progress.

This volume takes readers on a journey from traditional economic measures to groundbreaking models like Doughnut Economics, blending cutting-edge research with compelling examples. It uncovers how alternative frameworks better capture well-being, sustainability, and equity in today’s world. Featuring rare insights and fresh data, it connects economic theory with real-life solutions to global challenges. Whether you’re a policymaker, economist, or curious reader, this book equips you with the tools to rethink prosperity and create a happier, more sustainable future.

Contributors include: Nermin Akarçay, Merve Özcan Altan, Barış Çağirkan, Arif Bağbaşlioğlu, Necmettin Çelik, Gözde Ersöz, Eylül Kabakçi Günay, Gökmen Kantar, Gül Huyugüzel Kişla, Özge Kozal, Begüm Yurteri Kösedağli, Burcu Türkcan, Ulviye Tüfekçi Yaman, Meltem İnce Yenilmez, and Hakan Yildirim.

Eylül Kabakçı Günay is an Associate Professor of Economics at Izmir Democracy University. Her areas of research are economic growth, development economics and international economics, poverty and globalization.

Gül Huyugüzel Kışla is an Associate Professor of Economics at Ege University. Her primary research interests are macro-finance, labour productivity and currency crises.

Publication date: July 1, 2026

Preface vii

Acknowledgements ix

List of Tables and Figures xi

Notes on Contributors xiii

1 Multidisciplinary Perspectives on the Definition of Happiness:

a Global Endeavour 1

Burcu Türkcan and Merve Özcan Altan

2 Financial Frameworks and Contentment: the Financial Aspects

of Well-Being 18

Begüm Yurteri Kösedağlı

3 Consumption and Happiness 43

Gül Huyugüzel Kışla

4 Happiness and Income: Understanding the Complex Relationship 56

Meltem İnce Yenilmez

5 Life Satisfaction, Happiness, and Contemporary Development

Economics: Insights from Data and the Discussions on Circular

Economy Policy 70

Özge Kozal

6 The Relationship between Economic Policy and Happiness: a Crosscut

of Public Policy and Well-Being 97

Burcu Türkcan

7 The Happiness Agenda: Examining the Meeting Point of Political

Strategies and Economic Realities 115

Eylül Kabakçı Günay

8 Political Systems, Stable Democracies and Happiness 133

Necmettin Çelik

9 Analysis of Economic and Political Policies Affecting the Happiness of

Individuals: the Example of Turkey 155

Gökmen Kantar and Nermin Akarçay

10 The Quest for International Peace and Security: Is a Happier World

Possible through the UN System? 172

Arif Bağbaşlıoğlu

11 Sociological Understanding of Happiness 185

Barış Çağırkan

12 Happiness in Working Life: the Role of Psychological Capital 202

Ulviye Tüfekçi Yaman

13 Harmony in Motion: Examining the Relationship between Happiness,

Flow Theory, and Physical Activity 226

Gözde Ersöz

14 Behind the Global Crises: Ways out of Pandemic and Environmental

Disasters for a Sustainable Future 246

Hakan Yıldırım

Index 259