Margaret Harper Bücher

Hope is an underexplored yet fundamental concept in economics, significantly influencing how individuals navigate life's challenges, especially the disadvantaged. Unlike aspirations, which focus on specific goals, hope is a deeper sentiment that drives behavior. Key questions arise: Is hope a genetically determined trait resilient to negative shocks, or is it more malleable? Can hope be restored in populations where it has diminished? Can the experiences of optimistic and resilient groups be applied to others? Economist Carol Graham aims to expand the study of hope through econometric analysis and field surveys in Latin America and the United States. By integrating insights from biology and psychology, the work highlights the potential benefits of including hope in economic analysis, particularly concerning human well-being. While this area is relatively uncharted, the book presents empirical evidence showing that hope can enhance life outcomes, while despair can be detrimental. The urgency of understanding hope is underscored by the ongoing crisis of deaths of despair in the US and the pandemic's impact. A deeper social-scientific understanding of hope could be vital for improving public health outcomes.

The impact of World War 2 on Britain is vividly illustrated through the challenges of food rationing and shortages. As the war effort intensified and imports were blocked, the British population faced significant restrictions on their daily lives. This context highlights the resilience and adaptability of individuals during a time of scarcity, shaping a unique narrative about survival and community in wartime Britain.

How the optimism gap between rich and poor is creating an increasingly divided societyThe Declaration of Independence states that all people are endowed with certain unalienable rights. Among them is the pursuit of happiness. But is happiness available equally to everyone in America? How about elsewhere in the world? Carol Graham draws on cutting-edge research linking income inequality with well-being to show how the widening prosperity gap has led to rising inequality in people's beliefs, hopes, and aspirations. The result is an optimism gap between rich and poor that, if left unchecked, could lead to an increasingly divided society. Happiness for All? highlights the importance of well-being measures in identifying and monitoring trends in life satisfaction and optimism, and demonstrates how hope and happiness can lead to improved economic outcomes.