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Rethinking of Economic Growth and Life Satisfaction in Post-Wwii Japan – A Fresh Approach

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Abstract

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has been utilized by academics and policy makers to indicate the economic well-being of the people. However, economic growth measures cannot capture fully the overall well-being of the people. This paper has tested quality of economic growth in Japan after World War II as to whether it has brought about positive outcome in the well-being of its citizens. Comparison between GDP and GPI (Genuine Progress Index) has revealed that GDP does not fit as well with people’s life satisfaction trend as GPI. Prefecture-based rankings on GDP, Human Development Index (HDI) and Life Satisfaction have shown that there are clear gaps between objective measures and subjective measures to indicate the overall well-being of the people. Also, analysis on major determinants for people’s life satisfaction reveals that older people, women, non-employed people, and those who live in subsidized housings felt satisfied with their life.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Graduate School of Human Sciences, Osaka University, 1-2 Yamadaoka Suita, 565-0871, Osaka, Japan

    Takayoshi Kusago

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  1. Takayoshi Kusago
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Correspondence to Takayoshi Kusago.

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Kusago, T. Rethinking of Economic Growth and Life Satisfaction in Post-Wwii Japan – A Fresh Approach. Soc Indic Res 81, 79–102 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-006-0016-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-006-0016-9

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