Which way to well-being?

Quote

 “…the Gross National Product does not allow for the health of our children, the quality of their education or the joy of their play. It does not include the beauty of our poetry or the strength of our marriages, the intelligence of our public debate or the integrity of our public officials. It measures… everything in short, except that which makes life worthwhile.”  Senator Robert Kennedy.

News

Can people’s happiness increase when their economic fortunes are declining?   That is one conclusion from the first report of the UK National Well-being Programme published this week.  The government initiative was launched in 2010 to understand and monitor well-being as an alternative measure of national progress, but critics say the report just states the obvious. 

However, does the unexpected correlation between falling GDP and rising well-being call into question the methodology of the programme?  Or is it another indicator that GDP is a poor overall measure of national progress?  From a relational perspective, although financial difficulties put pressure on relationships (e.g. money is the primary cause of domestic arguments), it’s also true that facing hardships together often strengthens relationships in the family and community. 

Interestingly, the region with the highest subjective measure of well-being was the Scottish Islands, where close-knit communities, family stability, a beautiful environment and low crime rates all contribute to the happiness of the population (despite the awful weather!)

Understanding these, and other non-economic factors that influence well-being, is perhaps more important now than ever, as the UK economy is likely to stagnate for a number of years.  If the government can no longer rely on steady economic growth and higher tax revenues to pay for improving the quality of national life, then perhaps it’s time for a new focus for public policy? 

Could the way forward be to encourage more investment in family, community and organisational relationships – which cost time rather than money – and holds out the promise of measurable growth in national well-being even in times of austerity?

Read on…

The Relationships Foundation published a UK Family Pressure Gauge report, highlighting some of the main relational pressures faced by families in Britain.  Read it here.

 

Walk the talk

In thinking about your Christmas holiday activities, why not plan in a day which doesn’t involve spending any money at all, and see how much well-being it generates compared to the ones depending on the wallet.

The last word

From the Bible, 1 Timothy 6, v.6-8: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”