Oswald, Andrew J. and Powdthavee, Nattavudh (2007) Obesity, unhappiness, and "The challenge of affluence": Theory and evidence. Economic Journal, Vol.117 (No.521). F441-F454. ISSN 0013-0133

Research output not available from this repository.

Request-a-Copy directly from author or use local Library Get it For Me service.

Request Changes to record.

Abstract

Is affluence a good thing? The book The Challenge of Affluence by Avner Offer (2006) argues that economic prosperity weakens self-control and undermines human well-being. Consistent with a pessimistic view, we show that psychological distress has been rising through time in modern Great Britain. Taking over-eating as an example, our data reveal that half the British population view themselves as overweight, and that happiness and mental health are worse among fatter people in Britain and Germany. Comparisons also matter. We discuss problems of inference and argue that longitudinal data are needed. We suggest a theory of obesity imitation where utility depends on relative weight.

Item Type:	Book Review
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HC Economic History and Conditions
Divisions:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Economics
Journal or Publication Title:	Economic Journal
Publisher:	Blackwell
ISSN:	0013-0133
Book Title:	The Challenge of Affluence: self-control and well-being in the United States and Britain since 1950
Official Date:	June 2007
Dates:	Date Event June 2007 Published
Volume:	Vol.117
Number:	No.521
Number of Pages:	14
Page Range:	F441-F454
DOI:	10.1111/j.1468-0297.2007.02077_1.x
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access
Description:	Book review feature

Data sourced from Thomson Reuters' Web of Knowledge

Request changes or add full text files to a record

Repository staff actions (login required)

View Item