Happiness in India

Abstract

This chapter introduces happiness and quality of life (QOL) in the People’s Republic of China. For too long, this topic has failed to attract serious academic and political attention. This chapter largely draws on my work as a member of the International Wellbeing Group (IWBG), a community of scholars working together to measure and understand QOL. I begin with a brief overview of QOL in China from the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949 to the present day. This is followed by an introduction to research on happiness by Chinese scholars. Next there is a review of studies conducted in China by the International Wellbeing Group (IWBG). This emerging literature reveals interesting findings, such as similar and normative SWB among most respondents. The chapter concludes by considering the implications of the findings for China’s future. I raise critical questions concerning the measurement of progress in China, as genuine economic and social development should not hinge on economic data, but should also consider people’s personal wellbeing. These ideas could ultimately lead to alternative development paths and policy decisions.